The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington in Columbiana has been relocated to American Village East Wing of Independence Hall, which will open in Fall 2026
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 foresighted efforts and encouragement of Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Eliza Parke Custis, 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.
The collection focuses on art and artifacts from the colonial period through 1865. It contains paintings, letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts and more. Martha Washington’s prayer book printed in New York in 1783, an original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, writing instruments and tools from George Washington’ s survey case, and an original tintype depicting Robert E. Lee in his uniform for the last time 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 Minton porcelain and an exquisite pair of Sevres vases, circa 1785, from the estate of Augustine Washington, half-brother of George, highlight the display. One 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 George Washington collection is estimated to be the largest collection 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 conserved and acclimated to the new museum space. Below are photographs of some of the items in the collection, as well as the meticulous cataloging, conserving, and moving 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.
Each piece in the collection is meticulously studied, cataloged, cleaned and restored if necessary.
