January 6, 2009
Happy 250th Anniversary, George & Martha!
Today marks the 250th wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington! The Washingtons had a whirlwind courtship- George had only met Martha twice and known her for three weeks before he proposed! The 27 year old widowed Martha had a three year old daughter, Patsy, and a five year old son, Jacky, when she married George Washington on January 6, 1759 at her home in New Kent, Virginia. Martha was married in a yellow brocade dress that was trimmed with lace at the neck and sleeves, a white silk petticoat with silver threads, and pearls in her hair. Her shoes were purple satin and trimmed in metallic lace and sequins.
On display January 12 – February 23 are Mrs. Washington’s wedding slippers, which have not been exhibited at Mount Vernon in over 30 years and due to their fragile condition will not be on display for many years to come. A pair of reproduction slippers (they took two years to produce!) will now be displayed in the Education Center next to the reproduction of the wedding dress. “Mrs. Washington” will recount her happiest days of marriage during a special free performance in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium every Saturday and Sunday in January at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Category: Martha Washington
