The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George and Martha Washington at the American Village will open to the public on October 20. Founded in 1982 by Karl C. Harrison, a Columbiana banker and philanthropist, the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington provided an important forum for learning about America’s first First Family. Through the foresight and early efforts of Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Eliza Parke Custis, many family heirlooms have been lovingly passed down through generations. In the early 1980s, Shelby County resident Charlotte Smith-Weaver, a sixth generation granddaughter of Martha Washington, decided to share her legacy with the public, providing the basis of the museum. Containing paintings, letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts and more, the collection focuses on Washingtonia from the colonial period through 1865. Martha Washington’s prayer book, printed in New York in 1783, a 19th century copy of Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, a lyre musical instrument said to belong to Eliza Custis, and a Sheffield, England silver teapot bearing a family crest for a leading Baltimore, Maryland, founding family that would eventually marry into the Washington family-the Buchanans, are just a few collection highlights. The beauty and craftsmanship of 18th and 19th 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 Haviland porcelain and an exquisite pair of Sevres-style vases, circa 1785, from the estate of Augustine Washington, half-brother of George, highlight the display. Another 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. 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 Martha married George Washington. “We are very excited to have this amazing collection here at American Village.  The addition of the Washington Museum to the American Village campus will expand our opportunities to allow students and citizens to engage in the study and appreciation of America’s founding history.” Alan B. Miller, President and CEO, American Village The Harrison Washington collection is estimated one of the most important collections of George and Martha Washington artifacts and memorabilia outside of their famous home site, Historic Mount Vernon. It will be housed in the East Wing of Independence Hall, which is slated in open in the fall of 2026. Artifacts in the collection are currently being placed for display to the public within the new museum space. Below are photographs of some of the items in the collection, as well as the meticulous cataloging, conservation, and transfer steps that have taken place in preparation for the new museum opening. A pair of George Washington’s “sleeve buttons,” called cuff links today. The match to this set resides at Mount Vernon. Delicate humidity monitors ensure that the collection remains stable while in storage. A few pieces of furniture from the Harrison Collection, stored until put on display. Sheffield silver Druid Hill teapot. Proven authentic by a local appraiser, this single piece was part of a much larger and historically significant Washington family collection that made its way to Alabama, preserved and made available to the public by Karl C. Harrison. The Harrison collection includes a large service of Minton porcelain, glassware, and Eliza Parke Custis’ sterling silver. Martha Washington’s Prayer Book. A reproduction will be on display. The original is currently maintained in secure, climate-controlled storage. A 19th century copy of a portrait of Martha Washington. Each piece in the collection is meticulously studied, cataloged, cleaned and restored if necessary.

Make your school group reservation now for the 2026-27 school year. We invite you and your students to experience the stories of America’s journey for independence, liberty and self-government. Step into the scene and experience the risks, uncertainties, and dramatic events as they unfolded during America’s revolutionary decision to declare its independence. The American Village offers an opportunity for your students to become active participants in “Securing the Blessings of Liberty” and leave with a better foundation for good citizenship. More than a field trip, the American Village educational programs are tied directly to objectives in state courses of study in history, citizenship (civics) and government, as well as graduation standards. Students from every grade level benefit as they participate in experiential learning. Unique in its mission to strengthen and renew the foundations of American liberty and self-government through citizenship education, the American Village is an educational experience like no other! See the 2026-27 School Schedule Download the complete catalog of Educational Programs