01- Martha Washington, First Lady

$25.00$32.00

This Martha Washington mug is part of our First Lady biographical mug collection profiling the women who helped their husband, father, uncle or family friend while he served as president of the United States.  An image of Martha Washington and a short biography are features of this history mug.

Small Mug, 11 oz.

Large Mug, 15 oz.

Clear selection

Description

Martha Dandridge Washington was the wife of the Continental Army’s commander-in-chief and first president of the U.S.A.  She was integral to fundraising during the Revolutionary War and stayed by her husband’s side during the army᾽s winter encampment, acting as hostess for many events.  Soldiers referred to her as “Lady Washington.”  Martha Washington entertained frequent visitors at Mount Vernon after her husband left office and was granted free postage or “franking” to respond to the flood of condolences following Washington᾽s death in 1799.  She is the first woman to have her likeness printed on U.S. currency in 1886 and U.S. postage in 1902.

This Martha Washington mug is part of our history mug series profiling the women who helped their husband, father, uncle, or family friend while he served as president of the United States.

Most people assume that all US presidents were assisted in the office by their spouse, but that was not always the case.  Our series on the women who supported their husband, father, uncle, brother, or family friend during his term as US president is filled with many unique individuals.  Women who were not married to the president served in the position when the president was a bachelor or widower, or when the wife of the president was unable to perform in the role.

The origin of the phrase First Lady may have developed informally out of cordiality.  In the case of Martha Washington, she was referred to as Lady Washington during her lifetime, but that did not mean it was a chosen or official title.  A newspaper article published in 1838 using the term first lady of the nation when discussing Mrs. Washington, and maybe the first published use of the term.

Originally the women served as hostesses for the many official gatherings held at the White House.  Over the years they have redefined their duties and activities.  Edith Roosevelt was the first to hire her own social secretary, Eleanor Roosevelt was the first to have a personal secretary, and Jackie Kennedy decided a press secretary was needed to assist her in her role.

Starting with Rosalynn Carter, there has been an Office of the First Lady of the United States which is made up of four divisions: press and research, social and personal, projects and community liaison, and schedule and advance.  She was also the first to have a Chief of Staff.

The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history.  The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton.   He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone.  The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.

  • Mugs are food and microwave safe.
  • To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
  • Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.

Additional information

Size

Small, Large

Style

White Deco, Black Lined Deco, Black Lined & Handle Deco, All White-Full Photo, Black Lined-Full Photo, Black Lined & Handle-Full Photo, All Black