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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Search Results

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 46

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.

Top 3 results view all 58

Account book, tobacco book, negros the property of Robert Peter taken November, lots in the city of Washington, 1784/1797 178 pages Box 37

Lawrence Lewis family papers, 1785/1858

3.25 Linear Feet
Abstract Or Scope

This collection (269 letters) includes correspondence regarding family matters, farm business, legal questions about various wills, including that of George Washington, buying and selling of slaves and land, letters from friends, travels, and business interests. Also included are financial papers, including accounts and bills for various services, many dealing with daily life, building materials, education expenses, books, taxes paid/owed, and financial transactions.

2 results

Lawrence Lewis family papers, 1785/1858 3.25 Linear Feet

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 22

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

Historic newspapers collection, 1757/1957

3.75 Linear Feet 15 boxes
Abstract Or Scope

The collection includes 185 titles spanning 200 years; all related to George Washington, his family, and Mount Vernon.

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.

Top 3 results view all 93

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 69

Book, Overseer's Account book, 1785/1798 Box 38

Document, account of rentals from Robert Lewis, 1795 Box 27, Folder 1795.12.25

Ted and Mary Wendell early American collection, 1721/1826

.5 Linear Feet 14 Sheets
Abstract Or Scope

This collection consist of 47 documents, 10 maps, and 1 map slipcase collected by Ted and Mary Wendell. The collection pertains to George Washington and includes 25 documents written, annotated, or signed by Washington. Much of the material concerns the Revolutionary War, western land claims following the French and Indian War, and British and American governmental records. The dates of the material range from 1721-1826.

2 results

Broadside, Lands for sale, or to be let, on long and easy leases, by Andrew Van Bibber, 1795 1 pages Box 2, Folder c. 1795, Folder OUT

Ted and Mary Wendell early American collection, 1721/1826 .5 Linear Feet 14 Sheets

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.

Top 3 results view all 4

Pamphlets about George Washington, 1732/1932 Box 1

Chapin collection of Washington & Custis family documents, 1758/1829

.5 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Abstract Or Scope

This collection consists of papers inherited and collected by Washington family descendants. Many were purchased in 1927 at auction to reunite Washington family correspondence. The collection includes correspondence, financial documents and legal documents that relate primarily to the Custis and Lewis families, but include other items related to Virginia history. Charles and Peter Chapin, the previous owners of this collection, descended from Eleanor Parke Custis and Lawrence Lewis through Esther Maria Lewis and Charles Chapin. This collection was originally assembled by Esther Maria Lewis Chapin who inherited some of the Washington/Custis papers, but was also an avid collector and brought back together family items that were being dispersed nationwide. This collection is an example of that effort; much of which was at auction in 1927 (Anderson Galleries, sale 2201, 28-29 November 1927).

3 results

Chapin collection of Washington & Custis family documents, 1758/1829 .5 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

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