Mary Washington House

06/04/2026

We're just about a month away from America's 250th birthday! Be sure to join Washington Heritage Museums at one or more of these exciting events. Kick off the festivities on July 3rd with a family-friendly day at the historic Rising Sun Tavern with beer and wine tastings, tavern tours and a toast to independence every hour.

On July 4th, relive the spirit of 1776 with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Then, make sure to mark your calendars for a spectacular celebration at Ferry Farm, George Washington's boyhood home. This year, we're thrilled to be part of the festivities with American Revolution spy activities. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

For more information on all of these fun FOURTH events, follow the link below:
https://www.washingtonheritagemuseums.org/calendar

06/03/2026

Don't miss your chance to RSVP today! We invite you to join us this Sunday afternoon for a heartfelt celebration honoring Anne Darron's recent retirement. This will be an opportunity to celebrate Anne’s years of remarkable leadership, share memories, and wish her well in her next chapter. Thanks to the wonderful response, we've added more tickets, and a few are still available. For more details and to secure your spot, please follow the link below:

https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/100417-member-reception-honoring-anne-darron

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

After two weather-related delays, we are absolutely thrilled that Laura Galke's presentation, "Mary Washington: George's Much-Maligned Mother" is close at hand!

Join us on Wednesday, June 10th at 6 p.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg branch as Laura sheds light on Mary Washington's life, delving into her struggles and the consequential actions she took, while also acknowledging the family’s trials and celebrating their accomplishments. It is a story that recognizes the resilience and determination of a mother navigating a patriarchal society while trying to provide for and guide her children.

This free community event is a collaborative effort between the Central Rappahannock Regional Library and Washington Heritage Museums.

05/29/2026

This Picture of the Week post explores Fredericksburg, VA, the hometown of the first president, George Washington as we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

05/27/2026

A big thank you to the students of James Monroe High School for spending the Ceili Leahy Day of Service lending a hand at the Mary Washington House. These hardworking students helped move items for our upcoming Collections work, organized books, wiped things down, and jumped in wherever needed. Their teamwork, energy, and willingness to serve made a real difference, and we are so grateful for their help. Thank you for supporting our community and helping care for this special historic site!

Ceili's parents and the nonprofit they founded in 2016 have helped to inspire, recruit, and send volunteers to local community organizations in Fredericksburg through the Days of Service events. Leslie Leahy shared, "Ceili showed us how to lead a life dedicated to service for others, inspiring all who knew her to try to follow her example. Although Ceili Leahy is no longer with us physically, we are honored to continue her legacy of service and give back to our community."

To learn more about Ceili Leahy and her amazing legacy, follow link: https://clserviceproject.org/dayofservice/

05/23/2026

Thank you so much Tree Fredericksburg!!

05/22/2026

[May 22] in 1802, the very first First Lady of the United States, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington died at her home at Mount Vernon. Martha's remains were placed in what is known as the Old Tomb alongside George Washington and other members of the Washington family. In the 1830s, Martha's remains, along with those of the Washington family were moved to the New Tomb.

Martha was born on June 2, 1731, in New Kent County, Virginia. In 1750, at the age of 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a prosperous planter, and together they had four children. In 1757, Daniel died, leaving Martha a 26-year-old widow with two surviving children. Daniel's passing left Martha with a considerable fortune, making her one of the wealthiest women in the Virginia colony.

In January of 1759, Martha married George Washington in New Kent County, VA in what would become a partnership of great historical significance. That April, Martha, George and her two children moved to Mount Vernon. In June of 1775 George wrote to Martha, "I retain an unalterable affection for you, which neither time or distance can change", a testament to the strength of their bond and her invaluable support.

Photos:
- Portrait of Martha Washington by Charles Wilson Peale, 1795.
- Present day photo of Mount Vernon.
- Photo of the Old Tomb at Mount Vernon, courtesy of Kevin Anderson.

05/21/2026

[May 21] in 1796, Ona Judge, a woman enslaved by George and Martha Washington, escaped while they were residing in the temporary capital of Philadelphia (Washington, D.C. was under construction). As Ona Judge herself recalled in 1845, “Whilst they were packing up to go to Virginia, I was packing to go, I didn’t know where; for I knew that if I went back to Virginia, I should never get my liberty. I had friends among the colored people of Philadelphia, had my things carried there beforehand, and left Washington’s house while they were eating dinner.”

Born around 1774 at Mount Vernon, Judge was subjected to Washington's rotation of enslaved people to avoid Pennsylvania emancipation laws. In Philadelphia, she encountered free Black and abolitionist communities that inspired her to flee. Judge escaped with help from friends and boarded a ship to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Despite efforts by the Washingtons to recapture her, including a $10 reward and interventions by officials, Judge remained free. She married a free Black sailor and had three children. Ona Judge died in 1848, having never returned to Mount Vernon or seen her family again. In interviews, Judge expressed no regret, valuing her freedom and newfound faith over her past life. Her story highlights her determination for freedom and the challenges faced by those escaping slavery.

Read more about Ona Judge on Mount Vernon's website at the following link: https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/ona-judge

Her story comes alive in the book "Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, available at the Mary Washington House Museum Store. Dunbar blends compelling storytelling with fresh scholarship to reveal how one young woman risked everything to claim her freedom.

Images:
- "Washington's Residence, High Street." Lithograph by William L. Beton, 1830. Library Company of Philadelphia.
- Photo of "Never Caught" book by Erica Armstrong Dunbar.