Note: This exhibit is CLOSED.  For reference only.

October 2 - November 20, 1999
at the
Delaware History Museum

Home | Museums | Current Exhibitions

Special George Washington Events

Read George Washington's
Letter to Caesar Rodeny

Two hundred years ago a young nation mourned the loss of its "Father," General, and President George Washington.  Solemn processions, orations, and the creation of keepsakes marked his passing.  Soon after, writers, storytellers, and artists began adding myths to the memories.

The Historical Society of Delaware (now Delaware Historical Society)  explored George Washington: Man, Myth, Memory, in an exhibition at the Delaware History Center.   Rarely exhibited letters, images, paintings, memorabilia, and artifact form the basis of this exhibit that explores the veneration of George Washington throughout his life into modern times.

The Man: Surprisingly , George Washington was uncomfortable with public life, preferring instead the quiet life of a gentleman farmer.   Among other letters on display, those he wrote to Delawareans Gunning Bedford, Caesar Rodney, and George Read during the Revolutionary War, help illustrate how Washington's character and leadership destined him to become the nation's first president and national icon.

The Memory :  When Washington died, the entire nation went into mourning. Americans acquired pictures, plates, pitchers, ribbons and other goods memorializing the "Father of Our Country."  About fifty of these late 18th Century commemorative items are included in the exhibit.

The Myth : Washington's public image continued to grow after his death through glorification of him by others in print, the visual arts, and pop culture.  Authors wrote embellished biographies which were sometimes  based in fact, other times not (for example, Washington and the cherry tree). Several of these biographies, dating back as many  as 190 years, will be on display, including one illustrated by Howard Pyle.  The representation of Washington's physical image was handled similarly, as evidenced in a display of paintings, etchings, and sketches by more than 20 artists, including Delawarean F.O.C. Darley.

The exhibit also includes a display of ephemera that illustrates how Washington's image and stature have been commercialized since his death in invitations and advertisements.

Previously on Exhibit

Special Events

Wednesday October 13,1999 7:00 P.M.	Music Enjoyed by George Washington Nationally-renowned entertainers David and Ginger Hildebrand  perform a commemorative convert in period clothing and with  period instruments.
Wednesday October 20, 1999 7:00 P.M.	George Washington: Father of His Country Essayist and political writer Richard Brookhiser discusses  America's perception of George Washington, and the personal  and political meaning of fatherhood in Washington's life and  career.

© 1999 Historical Society of Delaware (now Delaware Historical Society)
Send Comments, Questions, or Requests to Delaware Historical Society