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Papers of Christine Meadows A.CM

Papers of Christine Meadows A.CM


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Archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

PO Box 3600
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Telephone: 703-799-3600
URL: https://archives.mountvernon.org

Rebecca Baird, Archivist

Repository
Archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Identification
A.CM
Title
Papers of Christine Meadows, Curator 1960-1997
Quantity
12.5 Linear Feet, 30 Hollinger boxes
Creator
Meadows, Christine, 1932-2013
Creator
Fede, Helen Maggs
Language
English .

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Use

Material can be reproduced for study or personal use upon written approval from library staff.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.

Preferred Citation

[Name and date of item], Papers of Christine Meadows, Curator, [Folder], Archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Processing Information

This collection was initially reviewed by a former employee or volunteer, Ani DiFazio, who listed and described the contents of each box of records. This first pass was used to reassess and better arrange the material to create more consistency while keeping the essence of the original order according to DiFazio's list. The summaries of file contents have been kept and are included in the scope note for individual folders in the ArchivesSpace finding aid online. Some duplicated and/or outdated information was weeded from the collection during final processing.

First pass and cursory finding aid created by Ani S. DiFazio, 2001. Final arrangement and description completed by volunteer Candace Cowan and Rebecca Baird, archivist, 2023.

Biographical / Historical

Christine Meadows (née Mary Christine Meadows) was born in Brunswick, Maryland on March 2, 1932 to Dr. Stanley Joseph and Katherine Gardner Meadows. Christine earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Notre Dame College of Maryland and completed graduate coursework at William and Mary College before becoming an elementary school teacher in Frederick, Maryland. Her career at Mount Vernon began in 1960 when she was hired as a library assistant. In the library, Christine helped catalog and reorganize the library's collections including the books, manuscripts, files, pamphlets, prints, and drawings. She also began a decades-long devotion to researching all things pertaining to Washington and Mount Vernon. When the estate's curator, Helen Fede left her position in 1964, Christine was promoted to fill her place and continued in this role for the next 33 years. Her responsibilities included the acquisition of new Washington or period artifacts, care of the historical collections, supervision of the cleaning and maintenance in the Mansion and outbuildings, curating exhibits in the museum, and special research projects such as publications. Christine was well-known and respected in her field. During her tenure, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association acquired valuable, original Washington pieces and the Mansion underwent a major paint analysis and update. Her extensive research and dedication to authenticity were particularly beneficial to the Association. She also worked closely with several committees including the Accession Committee, the Annual Report Committee, the Museum Committee, and the Household Committee. Her substantial knowledge on the Washingtons, the early American period, and the collections at Mount Vernon put her in high demand as a speaker and presenter on these topics. Upon announcing her retirement in 1997, the MVLA Board hosted a farewell dinner in her honor and the Council minutes noted "The consensus of the evening was that Miss Meadows will always be remembered for her scholarship and knowledge, and with special affection for her humor and inspiration to scores of Vice Regents, but most importantly for her devotion to Mount Vernon and her dedication to preserving the collection and the institution, and the world of George Washington." She was named Curator Emerita of Mount Vernon, assisting with research for important projects and sharing her long institutional memory with staff. Christine Meadows passed away on January 19, 2013 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Scope and Contents

The Papers of Christine Meadows contain the work files of the curator, representing daily administrative tasks as well as career-long research topics. The collection includes correspondence, reports, memos, inventory lists, research files with photocopied references, and remarks or presentations. The majority of the material reflects the years Ms. Meadows served as curator, 1960 to 1997, but several folders hold documents prior to her tenure as curator. She most likely inherited these files from the previous curator, Helen Fede, who is also named as a creator of this collection. The inclusive dates are 1869 to 1997.

Arrangement

The collection is organized into five series, closely following the original breakdown of files by Christine Meadows with exceptions only for clarification or consistency purposes. Folders are organized in alphabetical order by folder title throughout the collection, and then chronologically. The series are as follows:

Series 1. Administration Series 2. Collections Management Series 3. Committees Series 4. Research Series 5. Subject Files

Related Material

- Collections departmental files (unprocessed) - Papers of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association - Papers of the Superintendent and Resident Director - Minutes of the Council and Annual Reports

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

  • Fede, Helen Maggs
  • Meadows, Christine, 1932-2013
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Container List

Series 1. Administration
Meadows, Christine, 1932-20131980s-1990s
Scope and Contents

Contains records on common day-to-day tasks, Mount Vernon procedures, monthly reports, and general correspondence or inquiries. Bulk dates 1980s-1990s.

  • Text box: 1
    Appointment books, daily planners
    198119831984
  • Text box: 1
    Appointment books, daily planners
    19851986
  • Text box: 1
    Appointment books, daily planners
    19871989
  • Text box: 1
    Bomb threats
    1984
    Scope and Contents

    Notes on handling a bomb threat, memo

  • Text box: 1
    Correspondence
    1991-1995
  • Text box: 1
    Correspondence – Furnishings
    1927-1962English.
  • Text box: 1
    Correspondence – Inquiries
    1990-1995English.
  • Text box: 2
    Correspondence – Robert Gibby
    1985-1992 English.
  • Text box: 2
    Correspondence and memos
    1982-1996 English.
  • Text box: 2
    Curator monthly reports
    1981English.
  • Text box: 2
    Curator monthly reports
    1982English.
  • Text box: 2
    Curator monthly reports
    1983English.
  • Text box: 2
    Curator monthly reports
    1984English.
  • Text box: 2
    Curator monthly reports
    1985English.
  • Text box: 2
    Curator monthly reports
    1986English.
  • Text box: 3
    Curator monthly reports
    1987English.
  • Text box: 3
    Development
    1983-1987English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence re gifts, trust, capital funding, annual support funding plan

  • Text box: 3
    Disaster Plans
    1989-1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos

  • Text box: 3
    Fire drills
    1984English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memo to Fire Marshall re unannounced fire drills, 1984

  • Text box: 3
    Memos – Reporting accidents
    1981 English.
  • Text box: 3
    Radios
    1980English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memo

  • Text box: 3
    Security
    1952-1983English.
  • Text box: 3
    Security (1 of 2)
    1990-1992English.
  • Text box: 3
    Security (1 of 2)
    1990-1992English.
  • Text box: 3
    Security – Radios
    1993English.
  • Text box: 3
    Work Program
    1995English.
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Series 2. Collections Management
Meadows, Christine, 1932-20131960s-1990s
Scope and Contents

Pertaining to the care, provenance, storage, and display of historical collections. Includes appraisals for insurance, inventories, correspondence, museum storage and maintenance documents, and wish lists. Bulk dates 1960s-1990s.

  • Text box: 3
    Acquisitions
    1982-1989
    Scope and Contents

    Research, memos, budgets, minutes

  • Text box: 3
    APC building storage and photo archive
    1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Curatorial storage information, memos, photo storage information

  • Text box: 3
    Collections – Appraisers
    1989 English.
    Scope and Contents

    Brochure and related materials from an appraiser

  • Text box: 3
    Collections – Early history
    undated
    Scope and Contents

    List of early collections given, purchased, loaned to the MVLA, Handwritten list of major acquisitions - objects, whether given or purchased, appraisal value

  • Text box: 3
    Collections – Insurance Fine Arts
    1976-1989
    Scope and Contents

    Insurance policies, correspondence, Fine Arts inventory Library Department, APC building, study materials 'Legal problems of museum administration,' list of insured objects on loan, schedule of loaned collections by lender, fine arts insurance values by structure, objects of fine art owned by and lent to MVLA, inventory of APC building

  • Text box: 4
    Collections list – Washington items in other collections
    1997English.
  • Text box: 4
    Collections pending
    1971-1996English.
  • Text box: 4
    Conservation
    1994English.
  • Text box: 4
    Conservation requirements
    1987English.
  • Text box: 4
    Fine Arts insurance
    1970
  • Text box: 4
    Fine Arts insurance
    1973
  • Text box: 4
    Fine Arts insurance
    19761978
  • Text box: 4
    Fundraising – Conservation
    1990-1991
  • Text box: 4
    Furnishing plan – Wish list
    1972-1994
  • Text box: 4
    Inventories – Administration building
    1981
  • Text box: 4
    Inventories – Association headquarters/Association dorm (obsolete)
    1950-1966
    Scope and Contents

    List of objects by building (1966), correspondence, "Proposal for Permanent Room Assignments with Furniture from States," (1963), "Inventory of Bedrooms,"" (1949), "Association Headquarters," (1952), "Association Headquarters Building" by room (1952), "Association Dormitory Building" (1952), "Association Headquarters Building," "Association Dormitory Building" with Valuations, "Inventories of Bedrooms," List of objects by states

  • Text box: 4
    Inventories – Collections
    1952
  • Text box: 4
    Inventories – Collections, miscellaneous
    1938-1951
    Scope and Contents

    "List of Furniture, gifts, pictures, plants, etc." "Miscellaneous Pictures in storeroom of Museum" "Memorandum List for the Museum Committee - Articles that have been removed from exhibition" January 1941 "Relics Removed from Exhibition" "Cupboard under sword case" ca. 1951 "List of Articles in Storage on SEcond Floor of Gardener's House," June 1938 "Inventory of Articles Removed from Mansion Attic to Utility Building (Storage), December 1942

  • Text box: 4
    Inventories – Curator storage (obsolete)
    1968
    Scope and Contents

    "Curator's Storage Inventory," 1968, "Bedspreads Now Used in the Mansion," "Curator's Storage" and "Curator Office" (1965)

  • Text box: 4
    Inventories – Curatorial storage, original handwritten
    1982
  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Early Mansion
    1884-1929English.
    Scope and Contents

    Handwritten notebook of 19th and early 20th century references of objects with disposition and catalog number, where appropriate; Handwritten list of donations or money from the state of New York - list of objects and gifts; "Inventory at Mount Vernon 1885-1886"; List of objects by room, 1896; "Inventory of Mansion May 1885" and supporting lists; Handwritten lists of objects; "List of 'original' objects at Mount Vernon" ca. 1920; correspondence re furnishings; Inventory 1896

  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Mansion and museum, original handwritten
    1980English.
  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Museum and Ann Pamela Cunningham buildings
    1985English.
  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Museum and Ann Pamela Cunningham buildings, original handwritten
    1985English.
  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Museum (obsolete)
    1969English.
    Scope and Contents

    List of objects in table and wall cases (including placement of objects) after 1969

  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Museum storage (obsolete)
    1963-1965English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Inventory of Museum Storage" 1963, 1965, List of objects by Museum location, 1965

  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Outbuildings
    1976-1977English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Inventory of Contents" (1977)

  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Outbuildings (1 of 2)
    1980-1981English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Store Room Inventory," 1981 Inventory of outbuildings (1981)

  • Text box: 5
    Inventories – Outbuildings (2 of 2)
    1980-1981English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventories – Outbuildings, original handwritten
    1980sEnglish.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventories – Relic Committee
    1880s-1900sEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Handwritten notes of the Relics Committee (indication that notes were found amoung Mrs. Failing's papers, 1941); Handwritten notes (indication that notes were found among Miss Jennings' papers); 1889 handwritten notes re relics in various rooms; Typed inventory by room, 1896

  • Text box: 6
    Inventories – Tile storage
    1955-1970English.
    Scope and Contents

    Shop storage inventory lists (1964), "Unlocated" 1970 list, "Furniture in Curatorial Storage available for Loan to Lloyd House" list (undated), "Dispositions made of Articles at Mount Vernon during Storage Housecleaning (1955), "Tile Building Storage," 1964, Notes, photos

  • Text box: 6
    Inventories – Tile storage
    1984English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory – Ann Pamela Cunningham building
    1987English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory – Mansion, State Rooms (fragile)
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory – Museum
    1987English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory – Quarters
    1977English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory – Quarters
    1981English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory and appraisal of the furnishings of Mount Vernon (1 of 2)
    1932English.
  • Text box: 6
    Inventory and appraisal of the furnishings of Mount Vernon (2 of 2)
    1932English.
  • Text box: 7
    Inventory and appraisal of the Mount Vernon collection classed as "Works of Art"
    1944English.
  • Text box: 7
    Inventory of articles at Mount Vernon (photocopy)
    1894English.
  • Text box: 7
    Loan agreement forms – G.C. Stuart
    1905English.
  • Text box: 7
    Loans
    1976English.
  • Text box: 7
    Loans – Exhibited
    1970English.
  • Text box: 7
    Mansion Furnishings – Mrs. Lamont, New York
    1958English.
    Scope and Contents

    "List of Mansion Furnishings" (1958) with object list and descriptions and diagram of room arrangements.

  • Text box: 7
    Mansion – Inventory of Contents
    1957English.
  • Text box: 7
    Mansion – Inventory of Contents
    1970-1975English.
  • Text box: 7
    Mansion – Inventory of Contents (1 of 2)
    1976-1979English.
  • Text box: 7
    Mansion – Inventory of Contents (2 of 2)
    1976-1979English.
  • Text box: 8
    Mansion – Inventory of Contents
    1980English.
  • Text box: 8
    Mount Vernon collections wish list
    1991English.
  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Air filters
    1968English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, vendor information

  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Book supports
    1956-1957English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, vendor information

  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Correspondence
    1940-1979English.
  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Labels, lucite
    1954-1970English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, items lists

  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Miscellaneous
    1938-1948English.
    Scope and Contents

    Photos, memos, correspondence, vendor brochures, notes, post cards

  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Museum cases
    1950-1971English.
    Scope and Contents

    Diagrams, vendor information, correspondence, photos

  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Plexiglass filter sleeves
    1961-1974English.
    Scope and Contents

    Vendor information, memos, correspondence

  • Text box: 8
    Museum – Velvet
    1954-1970English.
    Scope and Contents

    Samples, vendor materials, correspondence

  • Text box: 8
    Relics on deposit
    1896-1905English.
    Scope and Contents

    Original 19th and early 20th century documents re relics on deposit

  • Text box: 9
    Schedule for loaned collections
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    "Schedule for Loaned Collections" by lender, undated

  • Text box: 9
    Valuation of gifts
    1985-1991English.
  • Text box: 9
    Valuations for insurance – Museum
    1980English.
    Scope and Contents

    Museum inventory and values, 1980

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Series 3. Committees
Meadows, Christine, 1932-20131951-1993
Scope and Contents

Christine Meadows worked as the staff liaison to several committees in the MVLA. Files in this series contain her reports and correspondence to members of these committees. Inclusive dates 1951-1993.

  • Text box: 9
    Accessions Committee – Correspondence
    1965-1968 English.
  • Text box: 9
    Accessions Committee – Reports
    1951-1983English.
  • Text box: 9
    ADA Task Force Committee
    January-February 1991 English.
    Scope and Contents

    Exhibition area coordination committee minutes and chain maps, outdoor access meetings minutes

  • Text box: 9
    Annual Report Committee
    1958-1979English.
  • Text box: 9
    Annual Report Committee
    1972-1983English.
  • Text box: 9
    Annual Report Committee – Correspondence
    1953-1979English.
  • Text box: 9
    Annual Report Committee – Council
    1952English.
    Scope and Contents

    Report, notes

  • Text box: 9
    Annual Report Committee – Curator reports to committee
    1953-1979English.
  • Text box: 9
    Exhibition Area Coordinating Committee
    1989-1991English.
  • Text box: 9
    House Committee
    1976-1979English.
    Scope and Contents

    Reports, correspondence, wish list, memos, notes, budget

  • Text box: 9
    House Committee
    1983-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Meeting arrangements, supplies, house staff leave, clothing budgets, work schedules, menus

  • Text box: 10
    House Committee – Correspondence
    1965-1975English.
  • Text box: 10
    House Committee – Reports
    1966-1980English.
  • Text box: 10
    Museum Committee
    1951-1983English.
  • Text box: 10
    Museum Committee (1 of 2)
    1979-1990English.
  • Text box: 10
    Museum Committee (2 of 2)
    1979-1990English.
  • Text box: 10
    Museum Committee – Council
    1952English.
    Scope and Contents

    Diagrams, report to committee, list of objects, memos, vendor materials

  • Text box: 11
    Museum Committee – Pack Lobby (1 of 3)
    1985-1989English.
  • Text box: 11
    Museum Committee – Pack Lobby (2 of 3)
    1985-1989English.
  • Text box: 11
    Museum Committee – Pack Lobby (3 of 3)
    1985-1989English.
  • Text box: 11
    Restoration Committee
    1988-1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Backstairs handrails; Minutes; Notes; Correspondence; Memos; Excerpts from articles, newspaper; photo; reports

  • Text box: 12
    Sign Committee (1 of 3)
    1986-1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Interpretive Sign Information request sheets, vendor information, inventory of all signs as of July 1989, budgetary information, excerpts from Writings, 20th century history on some outbuildings

  • Text box: 12
    Sign Committee (2 of 3)
    1986-1993English.
  • Text box: 12
    Sign Committee (3 of 3)
    1986-1993English.
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Series 4. Research
Meadows, Christine, 1932-20131950s-1990s
Scope and Contents

Files kept by topic of research. Types of records include book excerpts and articles, correspondence, primary source citations and bibliographic references, exhibit label text, and memos. Bulk dates 1950s-1990s.

  • Text box: 12
    The American Home – Betsy Garrett
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from "The American Home"

  • Text box: 12
    Andirons study
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes on Washington inventories, copies of articles, books, "cumulative index" 1937-1941

  • Text box: 12
    Antique fakes
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes and diagrams on identifying faking of objects

  • Text box: 12
    Architecture – Mount Vernon sources
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from "Journal of the Study of Architectural Historians," photos, notes, glossary of architectural terms, other related documents

  • Text box: 13
    Art Institute Lecture
    1988-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from Writings, Letter re travel arrangements, notes

  • Text box: 13
    Articles
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Written by Meadows

  • Text box: 13
    Artificial foods
    1979-1990English.
  • Text box: 13
    Basement stairs
    19841991English.
    Scope and Contents

    Brief report, project description, letters

  • Text box: 13
    Bastille Key
    19391988-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, Booklet "Keep of the Bastille", 1887

  • Text box: 13
    Bed hangings and mattresses
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Post cards with bed hangings depicted

  • Text box: 13
    Bunks/quarters/housing
    1952-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Housing and Family Life of the Mount Vernon Negro" 1954, 1962; Correspondence, excerpts; "Report for the Chairman of Outbuildings Committee," 1952

  • Text box: 13
    Camera obscura study, 1792 early views
    1981-1982English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, copy of article on camera obscura

  • Text box: 13
    Ceramics
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, articles from magazines

  • Text box: 13
    Chicago Exposition
    1893, undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 13
    Children's books (1 of 3)
    1989-1992English.
  • Text box: 13
    Children's books (2 of 3)
    1989-1992English.
  • Text box: 14
    Children's books (3 of 3)
    1989-1992English.
  • Text box: 14
    China Trade museum
    1978-1980English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters (1970s and early 1980s), Article/paper on the museum

  • Text box: 14
    Chinese porcelain
    1975-1981English.
    Scope and Contents

    Photos, "Oriental Porcelains from Alexandria Collections," the Alexandria Association, 1979, handwritten notes, correspondence, news clippings, "The Sailing Ship on Chinese Porcelain - A brief survey 1700-1850", Worksheets - Chinese porcelain

  • Text box: 14
    Christmas
    1989-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Research on Christmas in the 18th century, mostly on food, table settings, designs; Memo re Christmas as Mount Vernon

  • Text box: 14
    Cloak pins
    1974English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, excerpts, correspondence

  • Text box: 14
    Clothes – George Washington
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from Writings, Letters

  • Text box: 14
    Clothes – Martha Washington
    1951English.
    Scope and Contents

    List of Martha Washington purchases (based on letters, invoices, and Writings), Excerpts from letters, Writings

  • Text box: 14
    Colonial Revival
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, excerpts from "Presence of the Past - A history of the Preservation Movement in the United States before Williamsburg

  • Text box: 14
    Custis, Daniel Parke Custis estate
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Copies of inventories (with indications of which objects were taken an used by MW), shows disposition of all goods in the estate

  • Text box: 14
    Domestic routine
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Antiques magazine on pineapples, 1945, letters, diaries, excerpts

  • Text box: 14
    Education Center – Exhibit ideas
    1995-1996English.
  • Text box: 14
    Eliza Law bio materials, portraits of
    undated, 1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, articles, correspondence, excerpts from "Writings"

  • Text box: 15
    English merchants and agents
    1978English.
    Scope and Contents

    LIst of London merchants that GW did business with, 1948

  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – Construction and Restoration at Mount Vernon (1 of 2)
    1994-1995English.
  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – Construction and Restoration at Mount Vernon (2 of 2)
    1994-1995English.
  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – Construction and Restoration at Mount Vernon, Annex
    1994-1995English.
  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – Early views
    1991English.
  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – George Washington: Entrepreneur
    1995 English.
  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – Inauguration of Washington (1 of 2)
    1988-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Exhibit labels, correspondence with New York and Pennsylvania historical societies, photos of original prints, invoices, vendor proposals, designs, schedules, exhibit layouts, list of objects on exhibit, chronological account of written documents as pertains to GW

  • Text box: 15
    Exhibit – Inauguration of Washington (2 of 2)
    1988-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Voting information for 1st election, excerpts from publications, edits to vignettes in exhibit, exhibit signs, vendor materials

  • Text box: 16
    Exhibit – Slavery, Annex
    1995English.
  • Text box: 16
    Exhibit – Washington genealogy
    1989-1990English.
  • Text box: 16
    Exhibit cases – Pack Lobby (1 of 2)
    1987-1988English.
    Scope and Contents

    Materials in the Pack Lobby cases, exhibition proposal, memo, notes, excerpts

  • Text box: 16
    Exhibit cases – Pack Lobby (2 of 2)
    1987-1988English.
    Scope and Contents

    Materials in the Pack Lobby cases, exhibition proposal, memo, notes, excerpts

  • Text box: 16
    Extended hours impact study
    1990-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, attendance trends

  • Text box: 16
    Farm tools
    1992-1993 English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence

  • Text box: 16
    Farmer's Luncheon Box
    1987English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters

  • Text box: 16
    Fencing
    1976English.
    Scope and Contents

    Copies of articles/pictures on fence

  • Text box: 16
    Fireboards
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from books/articles

  • Text box: 16
    First President study group
    1995English.
    Scope and Contents

    Presidential Study Group documents, excerpts, handwritten notes, meeting notes

  • Text box: 16
    Food – 18th century preservation techniques
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 16
    Food and hospitality
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 16
    Food service jobs at Mount Vernon
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 16
    Foodways
    1988-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Mary Thompson memo re foodways at Mount Vernon, and memo re table setting/menu for television shooting research.

  • Text box: 17
    Franklin Fireplace – Antique Stove Association
    1984-1985English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, replies from membership

  • Text box: 17
    Franklin Fireplace – Citations
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, excerpts from "Writings"

  • Text box: 17
    Franklin Fireplace – Country Iron Foundry
    1983-1985English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letter, promotional materials, materials on Hopewell Furnace

  • Text box: 17
    Franklin Fireplace – Franklin Stove study
    19591982-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Photos, copies of articles/books/letters

  • Text box: 17
    Franklin Fireplace – Installations
    1984-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, invoices

  • Text box: 17
    Franklin Fireplace – Published articles
    1984English.
  • Text box: 17
    Fulton punch bowl
    19761991English.
  • Text box: 17
    Furnishings – General
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Copy of Form, Function, and Meaning in the Use of Fabric Furnishings, Copy of Potomac Squire

  • Text box: 17
    Furnishings – Miscellaneous
    1947-1968English.
    Scope and Contents

    Newspaper article on GW bed, excerpts from Writings, handwritten notes on card re inventory of Mount Vernon, letters/memos, list of objects as of 9/1980 (by catalogue number) an discussions of authenticity

  • Text box: 17
    Furnishings – Miscellaneous
    1968-1980 English.
  • Text box: 17
    Furniture conservation
    1988-1991English.
    Scope and Contents

    Copy of Preservation Technical Notes - Reducing Visible and Ultraviolet Light Damage to Interior Wood Finishes, articles on aprons, 1988 Mount Vernon furniture conservation priority list

  • Text box: 17
    Genealogy – Custis
    1950sEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Family tree, pedigree, notes, memos, correspondence

  • Text box: 17
    Genealogy – Custis – Lewis family
    1952English.
  • Text box: 17
    Genealogy – Custis – Nelly Custis descendants
    1950sEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, notes, family tree

  • Text box: 17
    Genealogy – Custis – Peter family
    1950sEnglish.
  • Text box: 18
    Genealogy – Washington
    1950sEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Family tree, correspondence, copies of letters, family marriage records, notes

  • Text box: 18
    George and Martha Washington's wedding
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 18
    George Washington, taste
    1969English.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from Writings, notes, memo

  • Text box: 18
    George Washington's character
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from letters, Analysis of character (Washington deemed an ISTJ: Introvert, Sensor, Thinker, Judger.

  • Text box: 18
    Hospitality – Domestic routines
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 18
    House Bell Pull System (1 of 2)
    1978-1991English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, invoices, report, memos, photos, schematics; Article "The Domestic Pageant: Society and the Great House in Early Virginia

  • Text box: 18
    House Bell Pull System (2 of 2)
    1978-1991English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, invoices, report, memos, photos, schematics; Article "The Domestic Pageant: Society and the Great House in Early Virginia

  • Text box: 18
    House Bell Pull System – 1914 restoration
    1960English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, 1914 invoice, old reports, references

  • Text box: 18
    House Bell Pull System – Adams Historic Site
    bell pull system 1850photos and correspondence 1877English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, photos of Quincy bells

  • Text box: 18
    House Bell Pull System – Bell Pull Brunschwig et Fils fabric and trim for Mount Vernon
    1987-1991English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, invoices, sample trim, diagrams, photos

  • Text box: 19
    House Bell Pull System – Bell Pull documentary sources
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Photocopied articles, picture of engravings, notes

  • Text box: 19
    House Bell Pull System – Moffatt-Ladd House, Portsmouth, NH
    1978-1979English.
    Scope and Contents

    Photocopies of source documents, re: bells, photos of Moffatt Ladd House, letters

  • Text box: 19
    House Bell Pull System – Mount Vernon Bell System radiography
    1984-1985English.
    Scope and Contents

    Reliance testing in Mosca's Report

  • Text box: 19
    House Bell Pull System – Mount Vernon Bell System 18th century installation and repair
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Diaries/letters, documentary evidence of bells

  • Text box: 19
    House Bell Pull System – Other than Mount Vernon
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    References to, notes

  • Text box: 19
    Huntington exhibit
    1997English.
    Scope and Contents

    Huntington: The Great Experiment, letters, list of objects for loan to Huntington Library

  • Text box: 19
    James Peale
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Handwritten notes, excerpts from articles, books, pages from Christies Auction Catalogue, worksheet accession of Eliza Custis miniature

  • Text box: 19
    John Parke Custis education
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 19
    Kitchen – Object comparison
    1991English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Comparison of Objects in the Mount Vernon Kitchen in 1799 and Today" undated

  • Text box: 19
    Mansion – Condition and preservation
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 19
    Mansion – Conservation and maintenance
    1985-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes on "Draft of Structure Report", an historical account of condition and work done in Mansion, including a mech-electrical assessment of the Mansion and outbuildings. Includes some mention of HVAC; list of structural engineers to make Mansion evaluation; 1985 plans for Mansion conservation/maintenance; list of conservation contractors - "Historic House Consortium Contractor Index"; RFP by MVLA for structural investigation in 1988; Internal memo re ventilation in the Mansion; news clippings, memo on 18th century method for polishing silver

  • Text box: 19
    Mansion – Lighting and scenarios
    1987-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, notes, vendor materials, timing, light operation manual

  • Text box: 19
    Mansion – Repairs, development, etc.
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Handwritten notes on the repair/condition history of Mount Vernon, letters describing Mount Vernon, GW and MW

  • Text box: 19
    Mansion – Room names
    1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memo listing historically used Mansion room names, copies of letters, excerpts from "Writings", copies of original documents re room measurements

  • Text box: 19
    Maryland Vice Regents – Speech by Mrs. Lee
    1987English.
  • Text box: 19
    Medicine chest
    1992English.
  • Text box: 19
    Miniatures
    undated English.
    Scope and Contents

    Copies of articles/books

  • Text box: 20
    Miscellaneous
    1930s-1980sEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters re publications on the Centennial Exposition of 1876, Meadows' letters, handwritten notes, articles, information on Kenmore, New Jersey room chandelier

  • Text box: 20
    Mount Vernon household – Article
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 20
    Mrs. Washington's bedroom
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 20
    Museum – Family tree case, Mount Vernon ownership case, table setting case
    1989-1990English.
  • Text box: 20
    Musical instruments
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    References to Mount Vernon spinet

  • Text box: 20
    MVLA, Mount Vernon restoration
    1986English.
    Scope and Contents

    Materials on preservation efforts, 1858 article on Mount Vernon by Benson Lossing re preservation efforts, notes, copy of 18th century letter, letter re fundraising

  • Text box: 20
    Needlework, lace
    undated English.
    Scope and Contents

    Handwritten notes, copy of articles re lace, shoes, and textiles, copy of MW letter

  • Text box: 20
    Nelly Custis
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 20
    New facility
    1984-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, reports, letters re new museum facility (1991 and 1992)

  • Text box: 20
    New Room
    undated, 1990English.
  • Text box: 20
    Outbuildings – Furnishings and restoration
    1952-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters (1952, 1967, 1968, 1982)

  • Text box: 20
    Outbuildings – Furnishings, Garden Houses
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from Writings, minutes from selected MVLA Council, 1990 Garden House inventory

  • Text box: 20
    Outbuildings – Survey
    1989-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Meadows' slave quarters panel presentation, correspondence, memos, notes, excerpts from Writings, ledgers, "Laboring Hands and the Transformation of Mount Vernon Plantation 1783-1799," "Report of Physical Research and Recommendations for Spinning House," 1952

  • Text box: 21
    Pewter
    1968 English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, memo

  • Text box: 21
    Picture Frames
    19811988English.
    Scope and Contents

    Photos, notes, vendor pamphlet, articles

  • Text box: 21
    Prints and paintings (original)
    1970-1973English.
    Scope and Contents

    Inventory of GW paintings and prints, Mount Vernon "wish list" 1975, vendor documents, excerpts from "Writings"

  • Text box: 21
    Restoration – Servants Hall
    1998English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Restoring the Mount Vernon Servants Hall," Pogue, 1998; selected reports/documents re servants hall; memos, notes

  • Text box: 21
    Rooms – 18th century, non-Mount Vernon
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Copy "Federal Period Inventories of Salem Merchants,"

  • Text box: 21
    Scullery restoration
    1985English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, maps/diagrams

  • Text box: 21
    Seminar on Washington's presidency
    1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    "Descriptions of George Washington - A Chronological Compilation of Contemporary Pen Portraits and Other Pertinent References," tentative seminar schedule, handwritten notes, copies of Freeman indices, excerpts from various documents, publications

  • Text box: 21
    Servants/artisans
    undated English.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpts from Writings

  • Text box: 21
    Silver
    undated English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, notes, article, early documents on Mount Vernon silverware

  • Text box: 21
    Slavery and Housing
    1972-1973English.
    Scope and Contents

    Bibliography of works on slavery and the slave trade

  • Text box: 21
    Slaves
    1952-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Materials on slaves, slave diets, etc.; Worksheets on Mount Vernon slaves; "Slaves on the Mansion House Farm - 1799" (1991)

  • Text box: 21
    Snuff
    1963English.
    Scope and Contents

    Article

  • Text box: 21
    Stills
    1988-1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, memos, excerpts from The Complete Domestic Distiller, articles

  • Text box: 22
    Stove – Writings/Excerpts
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 22
    Survey of extant documented ceramics and glass in use in American homes in the period 1770-1783
    1967English.
    Scope and Contents

    Materials pertaining to Survey of Extant Documented Ceramics and Glass

  • Text box: 22
    Surveyor's instruments
    1869-1993 English.
  • Text box: 22
    Table settings
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 22
    Telescope or field glass
    1988-1989English.
  • Text box: 22
    Thomas Law
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, photo of portrait

  • Text box: 22
    Tomb
    1994English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memo re tomb condition (1994), article re tomb "Washington's Home and the Nation's Shrine," Names of marble and stone conservators

  • Text box: 22
    Toys
    1988English.
    Scope and Contents

    Excerpt from "Children's Toys Throughout the Ages," Excerpt from 'Writings', Memos to Chairmen on Museum Shop.

  • Text box: 22
    Watches
    1920-2000English.
    Scope and Contents

    Washington/Lafayette Yorktown Capitulation Watch material, other unowned watches, letters, photos; material re Franklin Mint 'Washington timepiece,' Tilden watch, Washington-Michaux watch, Greene watch

  • Text box: 22
    Windows
    1989-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos re shutters and curtains used to control light in the Mansion, discussion of problems with HVAC discussed in report, Analysis of Temperature and Humidity Records in the Mansion, undated but probably ca. 1988, description of the New Room and its objects

  • Text box: 22
    Women and references to
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Article on women in the preservation movement, notes, copy of letter, articles, lectures

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Series 5. Subject Files
Meadows, Christine, 1932-20131980s-1990s
Scope and Contents

General subject files kept on a variety of topics including publications, interpretation practices, licensing products, projects, and departmental information. Bulk dates 1980s-1990s.

  • Text box: 22
    Antiques article
    1979-1989English.
  • Text box: 22
    Antiques article – Footnotes, captions
    1988English.
  • Text box: 23
    Antiques article – Invoices and receipts
    1988-1989English.
  • Text box: 23
    Antiques magazine (1 of 3)
    February 1989 editionEnglish.
  • Text box: 23
    Antiques magazine (2 of 3)
    February 1989 editionEnglish.
  • Text box: 23
    Antiques magazine (3 of 3)
    February 1989 editionEnglish.
  • Text box: 23
    Archaeology reports
    1989-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Archaeological investigations in the vineyard enclosure, 1989; archaeological investigations in the blacksmith shop, 1987

  • Text box: 23
    Book reviews
    1989-1992English.
    Scope and Contents

    Book/manuscript reviews; Memo - the holiday season at Mount Vernon

  • Text box: 24
    Collections – Chronological file
    1997English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes for 1997 traveling exhibit, letters, memos, book reviews, answering public inquiries (late 1990s), list of recent accessions, suggested objects for special exhibit, list of upcoming major anniversaries, suggested seasonal scenarios

  • Text box: 24
    Collections – Reproduction clothing
    1988-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Newspaper clippings, vendor letters, information on GW breeches, priority list of GW/MW items that are no longer to be reproduced (!988)

  • Text box: 24
    Costumes for interpreters
    1992English.
  • Text box: 24
    Custis family collections
    1994 English.
  • Text box: 24
    Education department (1 of 3)
    1981-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes re Washingtons taste in decorative arts, outline for slides for interpretive training re furnishing plan 1990, copy of Interpreter's Handbook (1989), memos, interpreter materials, information sheets, Historic Trail booklet, self-guided tour, school essays, Mount Vernon teacher materials, copies of articles from Annual Reports pertaining to the out-of-doors, binder containing room-by-room information for interpreters

  • Text box: 24
    Education department (2 of 3)
    1981-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes re Washingtons taste in decorative arts, outline for slides for interpretive training re furnishing plan 1990, copy of Interpreter's Handbook (1989), memos, interpreter materials, information sheets, Historic Trail booklet, self-guided tour, school essays, Mount Vernon teacher materials, copies of articles from Annual Reports pertaining to the out-of-doors, binder containing room-by-room information for interpreters

  • Text box: 24
    Education department (3 of 3)
    1981-1990English.
  • Text box: 25
    Engineering Projects
    1985-1989English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos 1986-1989; Correspondence, RFPs, responses to RFPs for engineering design work

  • Text box: 25
    Growth of Mount Vernon
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Map displaying the growth of Mount Vernon 1754-1786

  • Text box: 25
    Holiday Films
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Mount Vernon shooting list

  • Text box: 25
    Illustrations – Articles
    1988-1989English.
  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation
    1994-1996English.
  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Dependencies, outbuildings
    1950s-1994English.
    Scope and Contents

    Outbuildings interpretation, 1991 interpretation, handwritten notes

  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Family Kitchen
    1981English.
  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Heavy visitation
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Copy of museum attendants' orientation for Heavy Visitation Orientation, undated and author unknown

  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Mansion rooms
    1990-1991English.
  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Observation of
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Curator's observation of Mansion interpretation, 1982

  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Rules, AAM
    undatedEnglish.
  • Text box: 25
    Interpretation – Stable
    1982English.
    Scope and Contents

    1982 stable interpretation

  • Text box: 25
    Licensing (1 of 2)
    1992-1994English.
  • Text box: 25
    Licensing (2 of 2)
    1992-1994English.
  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Baldwin Brass
    1992-1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, copies of metal objects

  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – General information
    1990-1993English.
  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Hickory Chair Furniture
    1992-1993English.
  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Jewelry
    1993-1994English.
    Scope and Contents

    NOtes, memos, designs

  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Lighting devices
    1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Note

  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Looking glass
    1992 English.
    Scope and Contents

    Note

  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Reed & Barton
    1977-1983English.
  • Text box: 26
    Licensing – Virginia Metalcrafters
    1992-1993English.
    Scope and Contents

    Notes, letters, lists of objects for reproductions

  • Text box: 26
    Mansion lighting (1 of 2)
    1985-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, letters, resumes (lighting experts), Mansion electrical/lighting plans, lighting controls, lighting specifications, estimates, brochures, pamphlets, contracts, purchase order, invoices, weekly progress meeting notes

  • Text box: 26
    Mansion lighting (2 of 2)
    1985-1990English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, letters, resumes (lighting experts), Mansion electrical/lighting plans, lighting controls, lighting specifications, estimates, brochures, pamphlets, contracts, purchase order, invoices, weekly progress meeting notes

  • Text box: 27
    Mansion lighting – Terry/Chassman Bill
    1985-1987English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos, invoices, purchase orders, correspondence

  • Text box: 27
    Mansion – Passage carpeting
    1985-1995English.
    Scope and Contents

    ?Carpet history, information, cost, invoices, correspondence

  • Text box: 27
    Memos
    1977-1986 English.
    Scope and Contents

    Memos of late 1970s, correspondence on museum, interpretation

  • Text box: 27
    Memos – Museum attendants
    1984-1985English.
    Scope and Contents

    Museum attendants' orientation

  • Text box: 27
    Mid-West Tool Collectors Association (1 of 2)
    1992-1998English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, list of tools Mount Vernon would like to acquire, reports, memo produced by the M-WTCA Mount Vernon Committee.

  • Text box: 27
    Mid-West Tool Collectors Association (2 of 2)
    1992-1998English.
    Scope and Contents

    Letters, list of tools Mount Vernon would like to acquire, reports, memo produced by the M-WTCA Mount Vernon Committee.

  • Text box: 28
    Mount Vernon Furniture by Helen Fede
    1966English.
  • Text box: 28
    Neblett, Nathaniel (AIA)
    1985-1986English.
    Scope and Contents

    1985-1986 letters, bills, resume

  • Text box: 28
    Outbuildings
    1977-1983English.
  • Text box: 28
    Outbuildings – Audio tapes
    1995English.
    Scope and Contents

    Script of walking tour

  • Text box: 28
    Paint analysis fact sheet
    1983English.
  • Text box: 28
    Paint Restoration – Articles, clippings
    1983English.
    Scope and Contents

    A report "Making Colonial Paints - The Experience at Mount Vernon," articles, clippings, brochure of artist materials

  • Text box: 28
    Paint Restoration – Correspondence and reports (1 of 3)
    1976-1996English.
    Scope and Contents

    Invoices, letters, brochures for pigments/paint lines, paint analysis, Goethe's theory of colors, copies of other works/articles re color and paint, paint samples, specifications for restoration painting, APT Bulletin 1983

  • Text box: 28
    Paint Restoration – Correspondence and reports (2 of 3)
    1976-1996English.
    Scope and Contents

    Invoices, letters, brochures for pigments/paint lines, paint analysis, Goethe's theory of colors, copies of other works/articles re color and paint, paint samples, specifications for restoration painting, APT Bulletin 1983

  • Text box: 29
    Paint Restoration – Correspondence and reports (3 of 3)
    1976-1996English.
    Scope and Contents

    Invoices, letters, brochures for pigments/paint lines, paint analysis, Goethe's theory of colors, copies of other works/articles re color and paint, paint samples, specifications for restoration painting, APT Bulletin 1983

  • Text box: 29
    Pogue, Dennis – Articles
    1990English.
  • Text box: 29
    Publications – China Book
    1962-1963English.
    Scope and Contents

    Article written by Meadows, on Washington household, "The Epilogue: Dispersals and Retrievals" chapter for china book

  • Text box: 29
    Publications – Furniture Book
    undatedEnglish.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, article, news clippins, text

  • Text box: 29
    Publications – Handbook
    1965English.
  • Text box: 29
    Publications – Handbook
    1968English.
  • Text box: 29
    Publications – Handbook
    1972English.
  • Text box: 30
    Publications – Military equipment book
    19641979English.
  • Text box: 30
    Publications – Silver booklet
    1951-1957English.
    Scope and Contents

    Correspondence, photos, news clippings, lists/notes

  • Text box: 30
    Publications – Sword booklet
    1963English.
  • Text box: 30
    Slide lectures
    undatedEnglish.
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