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 is located in the East Wing of Independence Hall, and will open to the public October 20.
Here is a sneak peek of the museum.
The Washington Dining Room.
A replica of Martha Washington’s wedding attire.
Martha’s Bedroom.
One of four bronze castings from the original Houdon statue of George Washington.
