America’s First First Lady Visits Onancock - 05/02/2024

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Shore History welcomes Colonial Williamsburg’s Nation Builder Martha Washington to Historic Onancock School Thursday, May 12th at 6pm. Entry is free for children under the age of 18 and $15 for adults.

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was an extraordinary woman in extraordinary times. Born in New Kent, Virginia, Martha Dandridge was the daughter of the clerk of New Kent County. Fate saw her married at age 18 to one of the richest men in Virginia, Daniel Parke Custis. After seven years of marriage, and four children, she was widowed suddenly. This led her to meet and marry the man who would become a national hero, George Washington. Through her marriage to Washington, Martha would experience life as a plantation mistress, a grueling war where she attended every winter camp, and becoming the first wife setting the precedent for president’s wives for generations to come. Through each episode of her life, she exemplified grace and dignity, truly earning her the name afforded to her, “Lady Washington.”

Katharine Pittman currently portrays first lady Martha Washington in Colonial Williamsburg as part of its Nation Builders program. Katharine will perform as Martha Washington for the first half of the event and will come out of character for the second- she will accept questions both in and out of character.