Washington Heritage Museums

05/29/2026

Exciting news! The Library of Congress has spotlighted George Washington's connection to Fredericksburg in a feature on their blog this week. Among the highlighted locations is Ferry Farm, Kenmore, the Mary Washington House and the Rising Sun Tavern.

To explore the full feature, visit the Library of Congress Blog:

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

05/26/2026

Thank you to everyone in our community who joined us yesterday for the wreath-laying ceremony honoring Brigadier General Hugh Mercer on Memorial Day. Your presence helped make this a meaningful tribute of a true American hero and of all those who gave their lives in service to our nation. We are especially grateful to Ethan Burgess for his moving remarks and inspirational words, to Mike Galu for his beautiful bagpipe performance, and to Michelle Arcari Rose, Executive Director of Washington Heritage Museums, for laying the wreath. We appreciate all who came together to remember, reflect, and honor General Mercer’s legacy.

UMW Eagle Pipe Band

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, along with all the brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we cherish today, and their legacy will never be forgotten.



UMW Eagle Pipe Band

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

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

Any gardener will tell you that we desperately need the rain! So, in that spirit, we will be hosting the garden bench dedication tomorrow for Genevieve Bugay RAIN OR SHINE! Light refreshments of cookies and lemonade will be served inside but be sure to bring an umbrella for the dedication outside. We will have a guest book to sign; cards are welcome (please, no gifts). This is a surprise—please help us keep it under wraps!

☔ Garden Bench Dedication for Genevieve Bugay
☔ Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
☔ 4:30 p.m.
☔ Rain or Shine!

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.

05/20/2026

SPONSORSHIPS ARE NOW OPEN for Bourbon and Boxwood, Washington Heritage Museums’ signature event celebrating Virginia’s and America’s 250th anniversaries.

Join us for an elegant evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, and a lively silent auction—all set among beautiful gardens inspired by Mary Washington’s legacy.

By becoming a sponsor, you will help preserve five historic properties in Fredericksburg and support the educational programs that keep our shared history alive for future generations.

⭐ Saturday, October 3, 2026
⭐ NEW TIME: 6 to 9 p.m.
⭐ Mary Washington House Garden

Sponsorship packages (with tickets) are available now—secure your place at this unforgettable celebration today! https://bit.ly/Bourbon-and-Boxwood-2026

05/19/2026

Our next installment to highlight National Preservation Month features a recent visit by the Preservation and Historic Resources Interpreter Team from Colonial Williamsburg to the Mary Washington House. As stewards to preserve our historic heritage, it is so vital that we share and work together.

Leading the tour was Associate Professor Michael Spencer from the Department of Historic Preservation at Mary Washington, whose expertise and passion for history provided the group with invaluable insights. Throughout the visit, Professor Spencer guided the group through the architectural nuances of the Mary Washington House, offering a vivid and detailed exploration of its unique features. He painted a rich picture of what the house may have looked like during Mary Washington's time.

The visit was a reminder of the profound impact that collaborative preservation efforts can have in keeping history alive and accessible.