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Start Over Date range 1862 Creator Williams, Morley Jeffers, 1886-1977

Morley Jeffers Williams Collection 4.62 Linear Feet 11 Hollinger boxes

Williams, Morley Jeffers, 1886-1977

The collection consists of correspondence, reports, surveys, newspaper clippings, biographies and other written works, bibliographies, excerpts from diaries, letters, inventories and ledgers, various types of architectural and archaeological drawings, maps, and images documenting the work and research conducted during Morley Jeffers Williams's tenure at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Williams compiled the majority of the documents and images found in this collection between 1931 and 1939; however, the information contained within these records dates from 1602 to 1967. The bulk of the collection consists of numerous architectural and archaeological drawings detailing past and contemporary views of George Washington's estate; furthermore, there are several drawings depicting possible future renovations to Mount Vernon. This collection also contains a large amount of scholarly research pertaining to George Washington, Mount Vernon, and 18th-century life and culture. This information provides an in-depth understanding of George Washington's life, particularly concerning his interactions with his estate. Other documentation charts the efforts of Morley Jeffers Williams as he worked to restore the structures and landscape at Mount Vernon.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Series 1. Structures

The documents, images, and structural drawings in this section attest to the extensive research Williams conducted for the purpose of restoring original architectural elements to the Mount Vernon Estate. Included in this series are excerpts from primary resources such as diaries, letters, and ledgers; contemporary photographs of structural remains; calculations for possible reconstructions; studies of material objects such as chairs, flower holders, and venetian blinds; various lists; and numerous architectural and archaeological plans detailing both past and possible future structural scenarios.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Morley Jeffers Williams Collection

Series 2. Landscape

Series 2 contains materials similar to the previous series. This section consists of various documentary information, images, and architectural drawings pertaining to the reconstruction of the Mount Vernon landscape. There are numerous documents on the Mount Vernon gardens as the MVLA initially hired Morley Williams as a contractor to refurbish the gardens.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Morley Jeffers Williams Collection

Series 4. Other Historic Sites

Another small section, Series 4, contains research relating to other historic sites including Gunston Hall in Virginia and Tryon Palace in North Carolina—both sites of employment for Morley Williams. Series 4 holds copies of relevant primary and secondary documentation, site brochures, and various images.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Morley Jeffers Williams Collection

Series 5. Biographical Information

Williams was committed to researching and chronicling the lives and activities at Mount Vernon, and Series 5 reflects this commitment. This section contains the majority of background research conducted by the Research and Restoration Department during Williams's time at Mount Vernon. Included in this series are numerous excerpts from primary resources such as diaries, letters, and ledgers that Williams found at various repositories, including the Library of Congress and the Harvard Library. Series 5 also holds written works on such subject matter as architecture, gardening, and material culture.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Morley Jeffers Williams Collection

Series 6. Architecture & Archaeology

Similar to Series 1, this section contains documents, images, and structural drawings that reflect either the historic appearance of the Mount Vernon Estate or architectural elements that Williams intended to add and/or reconstruct. Series 6 holds various architectural and archaeological plans, as well as historic and contemporary surveys taken of Mount Vernon and the surrounding areas.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Morley Jeffers Williams Collection

Series 7. Ephemera

This section contains documents, and images—specifically negatives, photographs, and photostats. Included in Series 7 are Association annual reports, weekly reports assessing the progress of architectural and archaeological projects, and numerous images of the Mount Vernon estate, surrounding areas, and other historic sites.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Morley Jeffers Williams Collection

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