Press Release: Tudor Place Commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary with Landmark Exhibition and Yearlong Programming

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Press Release 

January 12, 2026

 

Contact

Janet Wall

Director of Development & Communications

press@tudorplace.org | 202-580-7323

 

Washington, D.C. — On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans and look toward a future in which every story finds its place. Tudor Place joins cultural institutions nationwide in marking this milestone through America 250 at Tudor Place, a yearlong commemoration running from February 10 through December 31.

Tudor Place was the ancestral home of Martha Parke Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington and step-granddaughter of George Washington. Martha and her husband, Thomas Peter, purchased the property in 1805. Their lives and the lives of their descendants—along with those of the enslaved and free people who lived and labored at Tudor Place—span six generations and more than 175 years of American history.

The centerpiece of America 250 at Tudor Place is a special exhibition “Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington,” opening February 10, 2026. The exhibition explores the historic 1802 public sale of Martha Washington’s household contents at Mount Vernon, revealing what the Washingtons’ worldly belongings—and the people who desired them—can tell us about the values, aspirations and divisions of early American society.

Most of the objects featured in the exhibition were purchased at the estate sale by Martha and Thomas Peter and have remained at Tudor Place for more than 200 years. Several of these items, displayed together, will be presented to the public for the first time.

In addition to this exhibition, America 250 at Tudor Place will feature special programming to allow visitors to further engage with the stories and themes woven throughout the nation’s history.

America 250 at Tudor Place Featured Programming:

Feb. 7: Founding Fortunes at the National Gallery of Art
Join Tudor Place Curator Rob DeHart for a look at the famous portrait “The Washington Family.”

Feb. 10 – Dec. 31: “Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington”
See objects from Martha Washington’s household that were a part of the historic sale at Mount Vernon.

Mar. 19, Sept. 24, Dec 10: Brew to the People: A Coffee House Conversation
Experience the historic house after hours with coffee, cocktails and conversation with other history enthusiasts.

Apr. 14: Landmark Lecture: “George Washington & Slavery”
Historian John Garrison Marks explores George Washington’s entanglements with slavery and how Americans remember it during this free lecture, which will be accessible in person as well as online.

Apr. 18: “Liber-tea:” A Tea & Tour Experience
Join us for afternoon tea and the chance to learn more about taxation on tea during the American Revolution.

May 12: Landmark Lecture: “Bicentennial & the 250th”
Dr. Rymsza-Pawlowska draws on her research to explain the way that national commemorations help to clarify, crystalize and accelerate emergent trends in historical engagement. Watch this free lecture live, both in person and online.

Oct. 13: Landmark Lecture: “Richard Bell & the American Revolution”
Rediscover the Revolutionary War by exploring the seismic impact it had across the globe. Join this free lecture in-person or online.

A complete calendar with full program titles and descriptions is available at www.tudorplace.org/calendar.

ABOUT TUDOR PLACE: Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and labored here for nearly two centuries. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past.  Open Tuesday – Sunday. For tickets visit www.tudorplace.org. Follow Tudor Place on Instagram (tudor_place), Facebook (tudorplace), LinkedIn and YouTube (tudorplace1805).

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