Eleanor [Nelly] Parke Custis Lewis
Scope and Contents
The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Some of the earliest photographs of the estate were created and sold to visitors by the Association as a means of income. Those efforts helped to establish an important collection of 19th century views. The collection spans the 1850s to 2000s and includes over 140 linear feet of analog material providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, and changes throughout the estate.
Dates
- Majority of material found in 1850-2010
Creator
- From the Collection: Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union (Organization)
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.
Extent
From the Collection: 89 Linear Feet (Variety of container sizes based on photograph sizes and material types. Over-sized items are housed in drawers.)
Language of Materials
English
Physical Description
Albumen print on cabinet card mount of oval head-and-shoulders portrait of Eleanor [Nelly] Parke Custis Lewis. The cardboard mount has gold embossed edges. A handwritten caption on the front bottom mount reads, 'Nellie Custis - Copyrighted by H. S. Loury.' Once displayed in the relic cases in the museum at Mount Vernon. Photograph shows a good amount foxing.
Dimensions
Cardboard mount: 4 3/16 in. x 6 1/2 in. (10.7 cm x 16.5 cm); Photographic print: 3 7/8 in. x 5 13/16 in. (9.75 cm x 14.7 cm)
- Albumen prints Subject Source: TGM II, Genre and physical characteristic terms
- Cabinet photographs Subject Source: TGM II, Genre and physical characteristic terms
- Card photographs Subject Source: TGM II, Genre and physical characteristic terms
- Lewis, Eleanor Parke Custis, 1779-1852
- Photographs Subject Source: TGM II, Genre and physical characteristic terms
Repository Details
Part of the Photo Archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Repository
P.O. Box 3600
Mount Vernon VA 22121 United States
703-799-3600
