Secure Mary Washington's Legacy

You are invited to become part of the next chapter of this historic site

Secure Mary Washington's Legacy image

Honoring America's First Mother

Mary Washington was the remarkable mother who shaped the character of George Washington. Relatable to every generation, she braved hardship throughout her life. Orphaned at a tender age, she was widowed by thirty-five with five young children, and faced breast cancer in her elder years.

Though customary for her time, she did not remarry following the death of her husband Augustine when their first-born, George, was merely eleven. She continued to manage the family lands, protecting her children’s inheritance. Despite hardships, Mary instilled strong morals and values in each of her children. George Washington often credited his mother for his uncompromising character.

In early 2023, the City of Fredericksburg transferred the Mary Washington Monument property to Washington Heritage Museums. You are invited to join WHM in preserving Mary Washington’s legacy for future generations.

Gifts of any size are welcomed and appreciated. Mary Washington Monument and Meditation Rock join the Mary Washington House, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James’ House as sites under Washington Heritage Museums’ stewardship. We hope you will join with WHM as we preserve and revitalize the Monument property to ensure its vitality and relevance for years to come.

Obelisk Society gifts of $130,000 or higher

Cornerstone Stewards gifts of $100,000 to $129,999

Mary Ball Washington Circle gifts of $50,000 to $99,999

Preservation Pioneers gifts of $25,000 to $49,999

Revolutionary Partners gifts of $10,000 to $24,999

Meditation Rock Guardians gifts of $5,000 to $9,999

Patriot Club gifts of $1,000 to $4,999

Supporter gifts up to $999

The site will remain open as we fundraise for and complete improvements to the property. If you have not yet visited, please do! The Monument grounds are open from dawn to dusk at 1500 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Prefer to donate by check? Please make checks payable to: Washington Heritage Museums, 1300 Charles St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401, notating "Monument Fund" in the memo line.

Please call Anne Darron, Executive Director, if you prefer to give a gift of appreciated stock or via a required minimum distribution, or if you would like to inform WHM of your intention to support our mission through your estate planning.

Questions? Please call 540-373-5630 from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.