Martha Washington from Madame Alexander

Object/Artifact

St. Joseph Museums

a doll resembling the first First Lady of the United States, Martha Washington. The doll is dressed in a light grey lace-trimmed gown and wears a matching bonnet adorned with frills. The ornate dress is embellished with intricate floral patterns.

Name/Title

Martha Washington from Madame Alexander

Entry/Object ID

2022.17.1

Description

Martha Washington (1789-1797) was the first First Lady of the United States. The bio on the Doll reads, " because of her family background and training, she did much to fix the scope of the duties and the responsibilities that are now so much a part of the position of First Lady of the United States. She presented over her weekly receptions and other state affairs with dignity but without pomp and ceremony. A sweet and amiable person, she was the picture of an elegant and dainty matron of the 1790 period." Martha Washington Doll is wearing an ivory dress with a floral pattern and white lace accents and matching white lace cap. From a line of First Lady Doll made by Madame Alexander. Her goal was to design dolls that are works of art and with the charm and grace of the area they represent. The first ladies of the US represent a social cross section of our country, from its beginning until today.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Sara Bouldin

Notes

From Sara Bouldin, a second grade teacher from Marshville, Missouri. Moved to Pensacola, Florida and lived there for 35 years. Boulden was part of the Pensacola Doll Study Club before she passed away in May of 2021. The estate gifted the dolls to the club.