Mary Washington House

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/

05/25/2026

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.

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 the University of 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.

05/18/2026

🌟 We're excited to share that Washington Heritage Museums is participating in the Blue Star Museums Program this summer! 🌟

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary of independence, we hope you bring your loved ones and explore the rich history of Fredericksburg. As part of the program, active-duty personnel and their families will receive FREE admission to all three of our museums: Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, the Mary Washington House and the Rising Sun Tavern. This also applies to National Guard and Reserve families from Armed Forces Day (May 17) through Labor Day. Simply present your military ID at each museum site.

🇺🇸 Thank you for your service and we can't wait to welcome you!

Learn more at the link below:
https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums/frequently-asked-questions

05/14/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Near Meditation Rock at the Mary Washington Monument stands an iconic oak tree with a story rooted deep in local history. Grown from a sapling from Sandy Point in Westmoreland County, the tree was planted in 1937 by members of the Eskridge Family in honor of Col. George Eskridge, the guardian of Mary Ball Washington.

The plaque reads, "MAY THIS OAK TREE FROM SANDY POINT WESTMORELAND CO. VIRGINIA, HOME OF COL. GEORGE ESKRIDGE, WHO WAS GUARDIAN FOR MARY BALL, SHELTER HER LAST RESTING PLACE, AS SHE IN HER EARLY GIRLHOOD WAS SHELTERED AND PROTECTED BY HER BELOVED GUARDIAN, AS DESCENDANTS OF OUR ILLUSTRIOUS ANCESTOR, WE DEDICATE THIS TREE TO THE MEMORY OF OUR COUNTRIES NOBLEST MOTHER AND HER GUARDIAN, COL. GEORGE ESKRIDGE. - MRS. ELISE TOWSON.

Now, Tree Fredericksburg is inviting the community to help care for this historic oak by mulching the root zone on Saturday, May 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. This vital work will help protect the tree’s health for future generations!

To volunteer, please sign up at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/help-protect-mary-washington-monument-iconic-oak-tree-tickets-1988765232346?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eskridge Family Association

05/13/2026