The
Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington collection focuses on art
and artifacts from the colonial period through 1865. The collection contains paintings, letters, furniture,
porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts and more.
Martha Washington’s prayer book printed in New York in 1783, an
original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, writing
instruments and tools from George Washington’ s survey case and an
original tintype depicting Robert E. Lee in his uniform for the last
time are just a few collection highlights.
 The
oldest item in the Museum is the handwritten will of Colonel
Daniel Parke dated 1710. His grandson Daniel Parke Custis married
Martha Dandridge. After his death she married George Washington.
Other 18th century treasures abound-from Martha's prayer book to
the original sketch of the landscaping planned for Mount Vernon in
1787.
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here for larger image
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 Tracings
of letters from George to Martha discussed the trepidation he felt
at being appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in
1775. Another letter, addressed to President James Madison in
1792,expressed George's desire to retire from public service.
Numerous other documents bring these historical figures to life.
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here for larger image
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The beauty and craftsmanship of 18th and19th
century furniture is evidenced by a number of carefully preserved pieces
from the estates of the Washington family and their descendants.
Coin-silver utensils used at Mount Vernon, a 207-piece set of Minton
porcelain and an exquisite pair of Sevres vases, circa 1785, from the
Augustin Washington estate, the half-brother of George, highlight the
display. One highly-regarded piece is a walnut games table with tulip
and rosewood inlay (circa 1805). The beautiful table belonged to Bushrod
Washington, a direct descendant, who inherited Mount Vernon upon
Martha's death.
For more pictures of the collection, visit the Virtual
Tour.
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