Tudor Place to Unveil New Martha Washington Exhibit in Commemoration of the America’s 250th Anniversary
Plus, Jill Biden to headline patient safety summit and Melania Trump announces 2026 Easter Egg Roll.
Tudor Place Historic House & Garden in Washington, D.C., will unveil “Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington,” a special exhibition opening on Wednesday.
The centerpiece of America 250 at Tudor Place, the exhibition explores the historic 1802 public sale of Martha Washington’s household contents at Mount Vernon, revealing what the Washingtons’ worldly belongings—and the people who desired them—say about the values, aspirations and divisions of early American society, according to a press release from the site.
Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and labored here for nearly two centuries. America 250 is a nonpartisan initiative and official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, culminating on July 4, 2026, that was established by Congress in 2016.
Most of the objects featured in ”Founding Fortunes” were purchased at the estate sale by Martha Peter, the granddaughter of Martha Washington, and her husband, Thomas Peter. These items have remained at Tudor Place for more than 200 years. Several of these items will be presented to the public for the first time. Drawn from a unique collection of furniture, ceramics, textiles and personal items, the exhibition examines how material culture helped the Peter family build wealth while also acknowledging the enslaved people connected to the Custis and Washington estates and the inequities embedded in the young nation’s prosperity.
The 1802 sale netted $3,735 to help pay for the educational expenses of Martha Washington’s nephews and included more than 500 items, ranging from furniture and artwork to kitchenware. While most buyers were white men, new research uncovered surprising findings, according to Tudor Place. A document in the Tudor Place archives revealed that some purchasers were enslaved and manumitted women and men.
“Historians have intensely studied this sale because it traces the fate of a founding family’s possessions,” said Curator Rob DeHart in a press release. “No one realized that some of these items ended up in the hands of people the Washingtons may have enslaved.”
Through the lens of the Washingtons’ possessions, Founding Fortunes reveals a young nation shaped by global trade and reliant on enslavement. It demonstrates how furniture, decorative arts, and textiles conveyed power and status beyond their financial value—while access to such prosperity remained out of reach for many.
“We are thrilled to welcome the public to America 250 at Tudor Place, home of the second largest George and Martha Washington collection in the world,” said President of the Board of Trustees Christy Pichichero in the release. “Amidst our stunning gardens and historic buildings in Georgetown, Tudor Place will offer an exciting and unique vision of the birth of the United States. Our fantastic exhibition ‘Founding Fortunes,’ our slate of events, and our educational programming weave together histories of Indigenous peoples, the founding families of our nation, and the enslaved.”
Jill Biden to Headline Patient Safety Summit
Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, a longtime advocate for patients, families, and healthcare workers, will serve as the keynote speaker at the upcoming 12th Annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit, to be held at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, California on February 27, according to the Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF).
Global leaders in patient safety, healthcare quality, science, technology, and public policy will convene at the summit to address the most pressing challenges impacting patient and workforce safety worldwide. PSMF’s annual convening builds on more than a decade of progress toward its mission of eliminating preventable harm in healthcare.
Dr. Biden’s keynote will underscore the importance of supporting patients and their families through research, innovation, and collaboration. As first lady, Dr. Biden championed the Biden Cancer Moonshot, an initiative that President Joe Biden reignited to drive historic progress to reduce cancer deaths and improve the experience of people facing cancer. In addition, Dr. Biden led the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, a first-of-its-kind effort to elevate and prioritize research and innovation in women’s health.
“Dr. Jill Biden’s lifelong commitment to advancing education, health and well-being aligns deeply with the mission of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation,” said Joe Kiani, Founder of PSMF in a press release. “Her leadership has helped bring attention to the human and systemic factors that shape healthcare outcomes. We are honored to welcome her as our keynote speaker as we continue our work toward zero preventable harm.”
In September 2023, President Biden’s PCAST released a landmark report titled, A Transformational Effort on Patient Safety. Since the PCAST report was released, several Federal Agencies have begun implementing many of the report’s recommendations.
Melania Trump Announces 148th White House Easter Egg Roll
First Lady Melania Trump announced on Friday that the 148th White House Easter Egg Roll will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House. Families with children 13 years old and younger are invited to join the president, first lady, White House staff, and their families for a day of festivities.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a White House tradition, dating back to 1878 during the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. This year, the White House Easter Egg Roll will honor America’s 250th birthday by incorporating patriotic themes throughout the event.
White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free to the public and can be requested through an online lottery opening on Thursday, February 26, 2026, and closing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at noon ET. Entering the lottery is free of charge, and winners will be notified via email no later than March 10, 2026. Tickets are not for sale or resale. Those interested in attending may enter the lottery here.
As in previous years, the White House will select volunteers for the Easter Egg Roll through an online application. Prospective volunteers may submit their names here. The deadline for applying to become a volunteer is Friday, February 27, 2026.
For more information regarding the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll, please click here.
Calendar
Feb. 10, 2026
Tuesday: Meet the Author and Book Signing
The White House Historical Association presents an in-person “Meet the Author” event from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST at The People’s House in Washington, D.C., featuring John Wrory Ficklin for the launch of his new book An Unusual Path: Three Generations from Slavery to the White House.
Ficklin, who retired in 2015 after 40 years of White House service, shares his family’s remarkable story of how they became a multi-generational institution at the White House. Ficklin, who began working part-time for his father John Woodson Ficklin at the White House, ultimately went on to become the longest serving member of the National Security staff, faithfully serving seven U.S. presidents. Read more
Feb. 19, 2026
Third Thursday: Innovation, Business & Work from the East Wing
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents visitors an opportunity to explore innovation, leadership, and the behind-the-scenes work of America’s First Ladies at this in-person Third Thursday Wine & Cheese program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. EST on February 19, 2026. Read more
Feb. 22, 2026
Eleanor Roosevelt’s Nightly Prayer – Book Event
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill presents an in-person book discussion at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with Donn Mitchell, author of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Nightly Prayer. Eleanor Roosevelt’s faith nurtured a lifetime of courage and justice. The event will include a reading, presentation, and Q&A, followed by a reception and book signing in the Parish Hall. Copies of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Nightly Prayer will also be available to purchase. The event will take place at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, in New York. Registration is not required, walk-ins are welcome. Read more
Feb. 23, 2026
White House History Live: An Unusual Path
The White House Historical Association presents its Facebook Live series, White House History Live, featuring author John Wrory Ficklin who will discuss his new book, An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House. Ficklin, who retired in 2015 after forty years of White House service, will share his family’s remarkable story and how the Ficklins became a multi-generational institution at the White House. Ficklin, who began working part-time for his father John Woodson Ficklin at the White House, ultimately went on to become the longest serving member of the National Security staff, faithfully serving seven U.S. presidents.
This virtual event will be live streamed on the White House Historical Association’s Facebook and YouTube pages starting at 5:30 pm ET on February 23. Read more
Feb. 25, 2026
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a free, virtual program about the remarkable story of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a formerly enslaved woman whose extraordinary skill as a dressmaker earned her freedom and the friendship of First Lady Mary Lincoln. In Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini explores their deep bond during the Civil War, providing a sweeping portrait of resilience, loyalty, and life inside the White House. Read more
Feb. 27, 2026
Jackie & Monte – A Legacy of Style
Join television personality Monte Durham as he honors the timeless elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The National First Ladies Library & Museum invites guests to “Jackie & Monte – A Legacy of Style.” This evening, hosted by beloved fashion director and television personality Monte Durham honors the timeless elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a woman whose influence on fashion and culture still inspires the world today. This exclusive event will be held at the luxurious Zazu Salon, located at 445 5th Avenue South, Unit 205 in Naples, Florida, on February 27, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tickets are $125 per guest and can be reserved here.
Feb. 28-March 8
“First Ladies and Their Orchids” Exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Internationally recognized orchid authority Arthur Chadwick, owner of Chadwick & Son Orchids and author of First Ladies and Their Orchids will present a one-of-its-kind exhibit commemorating America’s first ladies who were known for showcasing cattleya orchids as part of their attire. The installation traces 10 consecutive first ladies from Edith Wilson through Pat Nixon. Read more about the show.
March 4-6, 2026
Women’s Leadership Summit
George Washington’s Mount Vernon presents the Women’s Leadership Summit from March 4-6, 2026, which will feature Doris Kearns Goodwin, Judy Woodruff, Anne Applebaum, and other distinguished voices as they explore women’s pioneering roles in preserving history, shaping American memory, and defining the nation’s legacy. Taking place on March 5 during the Summit will be the panel discussion “First Ladies as Legacy Architects: Shaping History from the White House” featuring Colleen Shogan, Senior Advisor at More Perfect, Co-chair of Women’s Suffrage Monument Foundation and 11th Archivist of the United States; and Stephanie Bohnak, Director of Education & Curatorial Services, National First Ladies Library & Museum. The discussion will be moderated by Ali Vitali, journalist, MSNBC’s Way Too Early. Read more
March 13, 2026
Legacy Lecture: Mary Lincoln’s Photograph Album
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a free virtual lecture from noon to 1 p.m. ET by Laura Keyes, librarian and scholar, who will present the history of this personal album, showing attendees which photographs Mary Lincoln preserved and which she chose to leave out, offering a unique glimpse into her life and legacy. Read more
March 14, 2026
Book Launch Event with author Shannon McKenna Schmidt
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center in honor of Women’s History Month presents an in-person, free book talk at 1:30 p.m. ET on March 14, 2026, with author Shannon McKenna Schmidt for her new book You Can’t Catch Us: Lady Bird Johnson’s Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train and the Women Who Rode with Her. The event will include a presentation by Schmidt, followed by an audience Q&A and a book signing. This event is presented by the Eleanor Roosevelt Center and hosted by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Museum & Library. It will take place at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park in New York. A donation of $10 is appreciated. Read more