Landmark Acquisition

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association recently acquired the most significant privately-owned assemblage of personal items owned by George and Martha Washington. This includes a stunning array of nearly 100 original Washington items, ranging from rarely preserved kitchenwares to the gold and enamel watch the first president ordered from London for his wife.

The collection, which was offered exclusively to Mount Vernon, descended directly from Martha Washington through her granddaughter Martha (Patty) Parke Custis Peter. At the Mount Vernon estate sales of 1802, Thomas Peter, Patty’s husband, was recorded as one of the largest purchasers. The items were used to furnish the Peters’ Georgetown residence, and then passed down and carefully stewarded by their descendants. In the late 19th century, Thomas and Patty Peter’s granddaughter Britannia Wellington Peter Kennon created an inventory of the collection to guide its dispersal to her five grandchildren. Over the years, the MVLA has collaborated with generations of Peter family descendants in stewarding this priceless Washington heritage. Many items have been on long-term loan, displayed in the Mansion and Museum galleries. 

To support this important ongiong acquisition, visit mountvernon.org/donate.