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NewsChat: Celebrating saving the Mary Washington House

Anne R. Darron is the executive director of Washington Heritage Museums. The organization is responsible for maintaining the Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg, the home of George Washington’s mother. They also oversee the Rising Sun Tavern, Hugh Mercer Apothecary, and St. James’ House in Fredericksburg.

Darron has been on the job 11 months. We asked her how things are going, and what events are coming up at the museums.

PL: What makes your museum unique to our community? What special exhibits do you feature, and why do you think your museum has become a favorite of those who visit you? Please also mention who is a typical visitor for your museum.

Darron: The four 18th century properties that make up the Washington Heritage Museums are unique to the area in that they are actual 18th century buildings, not reproductions. Mary Washington actually lived in the Mary Washington House. The other three properties are each connected to the Washington family in some way.

The Rising Sun Tavern was originally the residence of George Washington’s brother, Charles. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary represents the office of Dr. Hugh Mercer, who treated Mary Washington, and was also a Revolutionary War hero, serving under George Washington. St. James’ House was the home of James Mercer, the attorney who drew up Mary Washington’s will.

Also on NewsChat: Burning rail car, bourbon tastings popular events at Manassas Museum

At the Mary Washington House, visitors enjoy seeing some of Mrs. Washington’s belongings, including her teapot. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary has an exhibit about a letter from George Weedon, who adopted Hugh Mercer’s son after his death, to Charles Willson Peale. The letter discusses the artistic training of Hugh Mercer’s son by Peale.

Our visitors are often families, but we often see group tours as well. 

PL: What challenges has your museum faced over the years, from getting out the word about your organization, to securing and maintaining funding? How did you overcome them? 

Darron: Washington Heritage Museums is open to the public 360 days a year without state or federal funding. We are a new 501(c)(3), having formed our own organization in 2013 from the statewide organization, Preservation Virginia.

In the last two years, we’ve established 501(c)(3) status, created bylaws, recruited members, and hired an executive director, our first full-time employee.

We are working to secure grants to care for our buildings and are currently working on plans to renovate portions of the Mary Washington House.

PL: Has your museum put our area “on the map” of cultural and community significance?  Please discuss some of the unique items that can only be found in your museum.

Darron: Absolutely! The Mary Washington House is the only house that George Washington purchased for his mother, and was the last home that she lived in. The Tavern portrays an excellent example of tavern life. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop gives a very interesting insight into 18th century medicine – how much it has changed, and how much is still the same.

PL: Can area residents help play a larger role in helping your organization build awareness of your goals? 

Darron: We are always seeking new members! We’re also thrilled when we hear that visitors recommend our sites to their friends.

We are in need of volunteers – They help in the Museum Shop, tend the gardens, help in the office. You name it – if someone has a talent, we have a need to match it!

PL: What new exhibits / events can we expect at your museum in the near future?

Darron: On Sept. 12, we will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the  saving of the Mary Washington House. Slated to be sold to the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1890, the house was to be dismantled and moved  piece by piece to Chicago, where it would likely have burned in the  fire.

Local women, with help from the newly formed Association  for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, raised money and acquired  the house saving it from certain loss.

We will be celebrating  with a fundraising gala the evening of Sept. 12. People can contact the office at 540-373-5630 for more information.

For more on Washington Heritage Museums, visit their website, and find them on Facebook and Twitter. 

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