This basket was probably purchased for Martha Washington in Philadelphia in 1795. She would have used it to hold bulkier items as she sewed, which supports the family legend that the basket often held George Washington’s socks while Martha darned…

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…

Made of purple and yellow silk, these shoes are believed to have been worn by Martha Dandridge Custis during her wedding to George Washington. They not only reflect Martha’s status as a wealthy widow but also her youthful exuberance. She may have…

This garnet necklace dates to the beginning of Martha’s marriage to George Washington. It was probably part of a shipment of jewelry from London that arrived in 1759. Garnets were common among the jewelry Martha purchased in the 1750s and…

This tea service was presented as a gift to the Washingtons in the early 1780s from the Comte de Custine-Sarreck, who had served under George Washington and General Rochambeau at Yorktown. It was designed specifically for the Washingtons and made at…

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…