This footstool is identified by script on the underside that reads “This stool was owned by Martha Washington and given to Nellie Custis her grand child…”  Martha would likely have used this stool as she was sewing (image…

Martha Washington’s granddaughter Eliza Custis Law purchased this chair at the 1802 public auction following Martha’s death. Family tradition identifies it as Martha’s sewing chair. Because of the amount of high-quality fabric…

This short boxwood ruler was used for various sewing projects. Martha was a dedicated seamstress throughout her entire life. This ruler was typical of the period; there would likely have been several such instruments at Mount Vernon. Martha’s…

Martha Washington was an avid seamstress. While much of her time was spent directing the work of servants and slaves, she produced many pieces of needlework. This shell pattern was cross-stitched by Martha herself over a period of decades. The…

This gold snuffbox, engraved with the Custis coat of arms on the bottom, was probably part of a shipment of luxury goods received from England soon after the death of Daniel Parke Custis. Of considerable value, the object reveals Martha’s…

This bureau dressing table was made by Williamsburg cabinetmaker Peter Scott, and is the only known documented piece of furniture made by him. It was purchased by Daniel Parke Custis in 1754. Martha Custis brought it to Mount Vernon after her…

Imported Chinese luxury goods had long been popular in the American colonies. Such goods became more readily available when trade with China opened up after the Revolution. George Washington purchased this lacquered Chinese dressing glass for his…

This iconic view of the west front of Mount Vernon is the earliest known pictorial representation of the house and grounds. There is a similar painting of the east front. This view is particularly interesting for its portrayal of domesticity. In the…

In early America, bibles were often used to record important dates and events in a family’s history. The Washington family bible was used for this purpose. An interleaved page records in meticulous handwriting the marriage of Augustine…

Like most members of Virginia’s planter class, the Washingtons were Anglicans. It is not surprising, then, that this copy of the Book of Common Prayer is among the books that were associated with Martha Washington. According to the…