Collections : [The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon]

The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
3600 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Primary Collecting Areas:
George and Martha Washington, Mount Vernon, Founding Era and Early Republic, Historic preservation, Decorative arts, Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Description:

The Fred W. Smith National Library includes general collections, special collections and archives as a resource for scholars, students, and those interested in George Washington, colonial America and the Revolutionary and founding eras.

The library's general collections include secondary source materials on the Washington and Custis families, and the colonial and founding eras.

The Special Collections materials highlight the lives of George and Martha Washington as well as their descendants through correspondence, financial materials, and original books from George and Martha Washington's library.

The archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association holds the historic institutional records of the organization dating back to its founding in 1853.

POC: Reference services
Phone: (703) 780-3600

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Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933

approx. 60 Linear Feet
Abstract Or Scope

This collection of historic manuscripts dates from 1607-1933, with the bulk of materials dating from 1738-1868. The correspondence, journals and diaries, legal and financial records, estate documents, and printed ephemera in the collection primarily relate to the Washington and Custis families, the Revolutionary War, and society life in antebellum Washington D.C. and Virginia.

Top 3 results view all 6

Account, Lawrence Washington with the Ohio Company, 1750/1772 Box 2, Folder 1750.00.00

Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933 approx. 60 Linear Feet

Richard H. Brown Revolutionary War Map Collection, 1740/1799

50 Linear Feet
Abstract Or Scope

This collection contains approximately 300 rare printed maps, unique manuscript maps, and published texts collected by Richard H. Brown, which pertain to the American Revolutionary War era.

Top 3 results view all 7

Chart containing the coasts of California, New Albion, and Russian discoveries to the north : with the peninsula of Kamchatka, in Asia, opposite thereto; and islands, dispersed over the Pacific Ocean, to the north of the line, 1753 1 Sheets Drawer 122 : L : 5, Section 4

Bushrod Washington family papers, 1662/1835

1.5 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Abstract Or Scope

The Bushrod Washington Family Papers consist of documents gathered by the descendants of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The collection comprises an assortment of correspondence and legal documents documenting the lives and property ownership of several branches of the Washington family. The collection is organized into five series: Correspondence, Legal Documents, Social, Miscellaneous, and Indenture Notices (Land Deeds).

Top 3 results view all 7

Bushrod Washington family papers, 1662/1835 1.5 Linear Feet (4 boxes)

Restoration Files for the Historic Structures Report, 1750/2005

14 Cubic Feet 13 cartons, 2 Hollinger boxes
Abstract Or Scope

This collection contains original records and photocopied documentation that was compiled in the early 1990s to provide necessary assistance for the preparation of the Historic Structures Report. Original materials include correspondence of Mount Vernon Superintendents, employees, and Vice Regents, accounts and financial documents, reports, photographs, and architectural drawings. Photocopied or printed documents were taken from ledgers, accounts, and correspondence of George Washington and his staff, published primary and secondary sources, and MVLA reports. The dates of original materials range from the 1860s to 2005, however, the date range of information from the files is from the 1750s to 2005.

George Washington collection, 1654/1799

approx. 25 Linear Feet
Abstract Or Scope

This collection contains letters to and from George Washington that have been aquired by the MVLA since 1858. For more information, see content note for individal items. The collection grows organically as new items are acquired.

Top 3 results view all 6

Document, "An Inventory of the Estate of Lawrence Washington Esqr. deceased, as Apprais'd by us the Subscribers...", 1753 Box 33, Folder 1753.03.08

George Washington collection, 1654/1799 approx. 25 Linear Feet

Esther Maria Lewis Chapin collection of Washington family documents, 1743/1852

1.5 Linear Feet (5 Boxes)
Abstract Or Scope

This collection was originally assembled by Esther Maria Lewis Chapin, who inherited some of the Washington and Custis papers but was also an avid collector. She reassembled family materials that were being dispersed nationwide, much of which was purchased at Anderson Galleries, sale 22001, 28-29 November 1927. The collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and financial records related primarily to the Custis and Lewis families. Much of the financial and legal materials focus on the construction of the New Tomb at Mount Vernon, as well as settling George Washington's estate.The dates of the material in this collection ranges from 1743-1852, with the bulk of the material dating between 1818-1829.

2 results

Esther Maria Lewis Chapin collection of Washington family documents, 1743/1852 1.5 Linear Feet (5 Boxes)

Peter family papers, 1722/1932

12 Linear Feet 46 boxes
Abstract Or Scope

This collection consists of papers collected by various members of the Peter families. It includes letters from George Washington, letters of condolence to Martha Washington after George Washington's death, estate documents, Major George Peter's military papers, land plats and surveys, photo albums, letterbooks, and notebooks that tell of the life of this prominent family in Virginia and the City of Washington.

Historic map collection, 1675/1971

22 Sheets
Abstract Or Scope

This collection of historic maps date from 1675-1971, and primarily relate to the Washington and Custis families, the Revolutionary War, and society life in antebellum Washington D.C. and Virginia. Includes matching editions of maps personally owned by George Washington.

1 result

Historic map collection, 1675/1971 22 Sheets

Morley Jeffers Williams Collection, 1602/1967

4.62 Linear Feet 11 Hollinger boxes
Abstract Or Scope

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.

Top 3 results view all 7

Morley Jeffers Williams Collection, 1602/1967 4.62 Linear Feet 11 Hollinger boxes

Series 1. Structures, 1676/1938

Series 2. Landscape, 1737/1939

Historic ephemera collection, 1796/1986

1 Linear Feet
Abstract Or Scope

This collection includes ephemera from 1796-1986, and contains a variety of formats that primarily relate to the portrayal of George Washington.

3 results

Pamphlets about George Washington, 1732/1932 Box 1

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