Tucked away on a leafy street in Georgetown, Tudor Place stands as a reminder of the rich history of our nation’s capital. Home to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, this mansion has been preserved to tell the whole story of life in the 19th century.
History
Construction began on what is now Tudor Place in the late 18th century and was finished in the early 19th century by Martha and Thomas Peter. Martha was a granddaughter of Martha Washington and received many items from her grandmother, including those from an estate sale held after the elder Martha’s death. Martha and Peter raised their eight children at the home and welcomed distinguished guests such as the Marquis de Lafayette. The Peters descendents lived in the home for decades and preserved the link to the Washingtons, especially Martha Peter’s daughter, Britannia Wellington Peter Kennon. Tudor Place became a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is now a historic house museum.
Visit
Tudor Place is a lovely way to see old Washington before the marble monuments and crowded streets. Located just north of the busy intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, Tudor Place and its gardens is a respite in a bustling city. Visit soon to see its current exhibition on the items received in the Martha Washington estate sale in 1802. There are truly some amazing artifacts!
To ensure a house tour is available during your visit, I recommend you purchase tickets in advance on its website. The only way to see the interior of the home is through a guided tour, but the gardens are free and open for all. Parking is available on the adjacent neighborhood streets.
Enter through the gates on 31 Street, NW and enter the home through the visitor center.
During your tour, you will hear about the history of the family and home from your guide before entering the decorated rooms.
The first room you enter on the tour is a grand room overlooking the gardens. The exhibit here has many unique artifacts from the Washingtons including George’s camp chair from the Revolutionary Way, one of only two still known to be in existence.
I especially loved Martha’s punch bowl made in China with a Chinese pastoral on the outside and an English fox hunt scene on the inside. So unique and personal!
Martha Washington left this Trumbull engraving of George Washington to her granddaughter.
She also gave this pendant with George’s portrait to her granddaughter as a wedding present! Note the picture below the pendant with the granddaughter wearing it.
Don’t miss the replica of one of the few surviving letters between George and Martha Washington. It was discovered here in a desk her granddaughter purchased from the estate sale!
The next room is the beautiful “temple” porch that connected the 18th century wings. You can just imagine the parties that were held here!
I loved seeing George and Martha’s china purchased during his presidency!
Another grand parlor lies next with more artifacts including a locket containing both George and Martha’s hair (on the left below)! There’s also a mourning ring with George’s hair.
I was fascinated by the fabric scrap from Martha’s wedding dress. How amazing that it has survived!
This is a bodice made for Martha from one of George’s old coats.
This is a chair bottom that Martha cross stitched for her granddaughter.
This is one of Martha’s redingotes (similar to a riding coat) and a scrap of her wedding lace.
I loved seeing how the family continued using these priceless artifacts from the Washingtons!
The rooms themselves are just stunning.
Once you step into the service portions of the house, however, the decor changes dramatically. The tour does not shy away from talking about the Washingtons and Peters families’ connections with slavery.
I loved seeing this original sideboard that is permanently installed on the wall! Just imagine how many times it was used over the centuries!
The china storage room holds so many beautiful pieces!
These bells are linked to the various rooms so the servants could know where to go similar to the bells in Downton Abbey.
This is the dining room for the workers. Note the simple but homey decor.
Here is the heart of any home – the kitchen. The stove was so heavy they had to replace it with a lighter replica!
The last room you’ll see is the formal entrance. The pictures tell the story of the family, both the white and black members as was so often the case during slavery.
After exiting the home (don’t miss its great gift shop!), head outside to walk the paths of the beautiful gardens. The lawn in front of the temple porch is a perfect place for a picnic!
The grounds are beautiful with an arbor and original buildings such as a smokehouse.
Don’t miss the garage where there is a 1919 Pierce Arrow car owned by the family!
The formal gardens are beautiful and a perfect relaxing place in a busy and chaotic city.
Don’t miss the cool placard about Tudor Place’s role in the burning of the capital in 1814!
Off the beaten path of monuments and government buildings, Tudor Place is a lovely reminder of the people who made the capital their home. Be sure to visit soon to see the Martha Washington exhibit before it closes!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: $10/adults; $5/child (6-18); free/children 5 and under
- Recommended: ages 13 and up (interior tour)
- Tour time: 1-2 hours (guided interior tour is 1 hour)
- Gift shop located onsite and online.
- Transportation: Parking is available along 31st Street, NW. It’s walking distance from several MetroBus stops.
- Dining options: Many restaurants along popular Wisconsin Avenue are within walking distance. I recommend Tatte Bakery and Cafe for families. Martin’s Tavern and its neat connection to first lady history is also nearby.
- Nearby hotels: See my Washington guide for my recommendations. If you would like to stay in Georgetown, I recommend the Rosewood. Its townhomes are great for families who would like room to spread out.
- Nearby attractions include: The Museum at Dumbarton Oaks, Dumbarton House, Georgetown (check out this Kennedy walking tour there)
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can visit my Bookshop.org shop to support independent bookstores and creators. You can also order books directly from the museum here.
Adults/Young Adults:
- Tudor Place: America’s Story Lives Here
- A Georgetown Life: The Reminiscences of Britannia Wellington Peter Kennon of Tudor Place
- Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of Its Black Community from the Founding of “The Town of George” in 1751 to the Present Day
- First Family: George Washington’s Heirs and the Making of America
- Martha Washington: An American Life
This was great thanks