Online Exhibit

Ann Jennings Johnson
First Lady, 1777-79
John Hesselius, c. 1766
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society, 57.20.2
Considered Maryland's first first lady, Ann Jennings Johnson was the wife of Maryland's first elected governor, Thomas Johnson. To provide the Johnsons with a home in Annapolis, the Maryland legislature rented Jennings House from Robert Eden, the last colonial governor, creatingthe first official Government House of Maryland.

Neck Handkerchief and Cap
England, c. 1785
Cotton with silk needlework
Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, H-2374
Ann Jennings Johnson purportedly wore this fichu and cap during a visit from the nation's first president, George Washington. In a diary entry for August 1785, Washington mentions visiting with the Johnsons on his way to Harper's Ferry.

Tall Case Fessler Clock John Fessler and Son, c. 1800
Walnut
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-2432
This clock, formerly owned by Governor Thomas Johnson, was designed by the Frederick-based company John Fessler and Son, circa 1800. With its quick rise to the arch and scalloped base ornament, the case of the clock is characteristic of early nineteenth century Frederick craftsmanship.

Mary Digges Lee
First Lady, 1779-82 and 1792-94
Attributed to John Wollaston, c. 1750
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society, 1956.51.1
The first of many of Maryland's First Ladies who stepped outside the boundaries of her traditional role, Mary Digges Lee served as First Lady of Maryland during the American Revolution. During this tumoltous period, Mrs. Lee became a leader in the effort to provide supplies to the army. She personally collected money and materials for the troops and encouraged other women to lend their talents to the war effort.

TRANSCRIPTION: To Mrs. Mary Lee Maryland Head-Quarters near Passaic Falls October 11th 1780 Madam I am honored with your Letter of the 27th of Sept. and cannot forbear taking the earliest moment to express the high sense I entertain of the patriotic exertions of the Ladies of Maryland in favor of the Army. In answer to your inquiry respecting the disposal of the Gratuity, I must take the liberty to observe; that it appears to me, the money, which has been, or may be collected, cannot be expended in so eligible and beneficial a manner, as in the purchase of shirts and stocks (black) for the use of the Troops in the Southern Army. The polite offer you are pleased to make of your further assistance in the execution of this liberal design, and the generous disposition of the Ladies, insure me of its success, and cannot fail to entitle both yourself and them to the warmest gratitude of those who are the objects of it. I am &c. GWashington Mrs. Lee Annapolis

Source: Library of Congress, George Washington Papers project In the above letter to Mary Digges Lee, General George Washington expresses his gratitude for the "patriotic exertions of the ladies of Maryland in favor of the army." General Washington goes on to recognize the generosity of Maryland women and to suggest that money collected by the women be dedicated to the purchase of shirts and black stocks for the soldiers of the Southern army.

Anna Maria Tilghman Chew
Hostess for Governor William Paca, 1782-85
Robert Field, 1802
Watercolor on ivory
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, Peabody Collection, MSA SC 4680-12-11
This miniature portrait depicts Anna Maria Tilghman Chew who served as hostess for her brother-in-law, Governor William Paca. The first known official hostess with a hearing impairment, Mrs. Chew was well respected for her skills in the kitchen and was known to throw a memorable "rout" or party on behalf of the Governor.

Anna Ella Carroll
Daughter of Governor Thomas King Carroll
and Juliana Stevenson Carroll (1815-1894)
J. C. Buttre, c. 1855
Copy photograph of etching
Courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society Library One of the most colorful and controversial residents of Government House, Anna Ella Carroll was the daughter of Thomas King Carroll who served as governor from 1830 to 1831. Shown here at age 40, Anna Ella Carroll struggled most of her adult life for public recognition of her political efforts in the Civil War.

Star of the West
Anna Ella Carroll, 1857
New York: Miller, Orton & Co.
Courtesy of a private collection
The book Star of the West recounts Miss Carroll's fervid interest in politics and her work as a consultant to the Lincoln administration during the Civil War. In particular, she sought acknowledgement for devising the "Tennessee plan," a strategy to clear Confederate troops from the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers which ultimately led to the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson.

Henrietta Ogle Silhouette First Lady, 1798-1801
Artist unknown, c. 1800-1809
Courtesy of the City of Bowie Museums, 1993.1.1 a-c
Henrietta Ogle, wife of Governor Benjamin Ogle, was a native of Anne Arundel County. Mrs. Ogle left lasting impressions of contemporary life in Annapolis in a series of engaging letters to her uncle, John Thomas. Several of these letters were written during a time when the state was deeply divided along political lines and preparing for a possible war with France.

Bradford Silver Set
Elizabeth Kell Bradford
First Lady, 1862-66
Samuel Kirk, c. 1864
Silver pitcher with lid, 2 goblets, and 2 waiters Courtesy of Eleanor Bradford Syckes
The Bradfords were given this silver set at the Maryland State Fair of 1864. Serving Maryland during the Civil War, Mrs. Bradford and her husband, Governor Augustus Bradford, were strong supporters of the Union cause. The family paid a high price for its loyalties, however, when the Bradford home in Baltimore was burned to the ground by Confederate raiders in July 1864.

Register of Visitors to the Ladies State Sanitary Fair
Manuscript, 1864
Courtesy of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library of The Johns Hopkins University, Special Collections, MS.328
On this registry for the Maryland State Fair of 1864, also known as the Baltimore Sanitary Fair, the signatures of Governor and Mrs. Bradford appear directly under those of President and Mrs. Lincoln. The Fair provided Maryland Unionist women an opportunity to participate actively in the war effort, providing relief to Union soldiers and raising funds. Mrs. Bradford served as a chairwoman of the fair planning committee.

The women of Baltimore offer refreshments to Union soldiers as they pass through the city
Copy Photograph from The Soldier in Our Civil War
(New York: G.W. Dillingham, Co., 1885)
Courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society, Special Collections Medium Print Collection

View of the 1864 Maryland State Fair, also called the Sanitary Fair, from the main entrance of the Maryland Institute, Baltimore
Copy Photograph
Courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society, Special Collections Medium Print Collection

Prudence Ridgely Howard
First Lady, 1831-33
Attributed to Philip Tilyard, c. 1830
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Hampton National Historic Site, National Park Service Prudence Ridgely Howard enjoyed two administrations in Jennings House as both the daughter of Governor Charles Carnan Ridgely, who served from 1816 to 1819, and the wife of Governor George Howard. Governor Howard was born in Government House on November 21, 1789 during the term of his father Governor John Eager Howard.

Alice Carter Bowie First Lady, 1869-72
Original cabinet card photograph, date unknown
Courtesy of a private collection
After the sale of Jennings House to the U.S. Naval Academy, Alice Carter Bowie became the first first lady to live in the new Government House built by the state in 1870. In keeping with the biblical injunction against "putting old wine into new bottles," Mrs. Bowie orchestrated the sale of many items from the previous governor's residence and used the proceeds for new furnishings.

Bowie Silver Set
Samuel Kirk, c. 1870
Silver coffee pot, sugar bowl with lid, and creamer
Courtesy of a private collection
This repousse silver set was given to Governor Bowie by his father, William D. Bowie. The creamer is inscribed "From Willie" and the other two pieces "From W.D.B." The Bowies brought the set with them to Annapolis for use in the new Government House on State Circle.

In March 1907, Emma Warfield wrote to Samuel Clemens, better known as American author Mark Twain. Mrs. Warfield asked Mr. Clemens to participate in a local church fund raiser and she invited him to stay at the executive mansion, tour the Naval Academy, and sail on the governor’s yacht. Mr. Clemens accepted her invitation and came to Annapolis in May 1907.

Invitation to Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) from Governor and Mrs. Warfield
May 9, 1907
Courtesy of the Mark Twain Project, The Bancroft Library, University of Californnia, Berkeley

Emma Warfield and Mark Twain
Baltimore News, May 11, 1907
Color digital reproduction
Courtesy of the Maryland State Archives Special Collections, MSA SC 2890
During his visit to Annapolis, Mark Twain performed a benefit for the First Presbyterian Church as Emma Warfield had requested. Held in the House of Delegates chamber on the evening of May 10, 1907, the event marked Twain's first public appearance in eleven years. Although Twain was originally invited to speak in the drawing room of Government House, the presentation was moved to the State House due to the enormous turnout. The benefit raised six hundred dollars for the church treasury.

Emma Warfield's Tiffany Fan
Tiffany & Co., c. 1904-1908
Ivory and Silk
Courtesy of the Maryland State Archives Special Collections MSA SC 3913
This lady's fan by Tiffany & Co., crafted from hand painted ivory and silk, is perhaps similar to the one held by Mrs. Warfield in her photo with Mark Twain. Although described as shy and more comfortable entertaining a close circle of friends than a large gathering, Emma Warfield took up the role of hostess with grace and charm. She was praised in contemporary newspaper accounts as "handsome, bright and animated . . . well fitted for the high position she is to fill."

Ellen Showell Goldsborough
First Lady, 1912 - 1916
Cole
Pastel on Paper
Courtesy of a Private Collection
Ellen Showell was born on May 16, 1867 to Nancy LeFevre and William Showell of Worcester County. After their marriage on December 14, 1893, Phillips Lee and Ellen Showell Goldsborough moved to Cambridge, Maryland. They lived there with their children, Phillips Lee Jr., Brice, and Nancy until Phillips Lee Sr. was elected Governor in 1912. When the family moved to Government House in Annapolis, Mrs. Goldsborough became Maryland's first first lady in 4 years, since the previous Governor, Austin Crothers had been a bachelor. Crother's niece, Lynn Shaffer, had acted as the Official Hostess during his administration.

Potthast Knife Urn
Potthast Brothers, c. 1913
Mahogany
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1235
Purchased during the Goldsborough administration for the State Dining Room, this knife urn exemplifies the craftsmanship and fine detail that characterize Potthast designs. Potthast Brothers, established in Baltimore in 1892, was renowned for the handmade nature of its cabinetwares. A matching urn, as well as a dining table and set of chairs, remain in use in Government House today.

Mary Ridgely Preston Brown
First Lady, 1892-1895
Norval H. Busey, 1880
Pastel on paper
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1068
Mrs. Brown began her term as first lady with meticulously planned parties and high-spirited support for the Navy football team. However, her next few years were spent battling hereditary illnesses. Her untimely death in 1895 left her daughter, May, to take on the demanding role of official hostess.

Mary Ridgely Brown Lee
Daughter of Governor and Mrs. Frank Brown
Official Hostess, 1895-1896
Artist and date unknown
Pastel on panel
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1022
Mary, affectionately called May by friends and family, was only thirteen years old when, in the wake of her mother's death, she found herself responsible for the duties of official hostess. Accounts of young May's reign suggest that she, like her mother, successfully met all demands upon her and was a gracious hostess. After leaving Government House, May discovered a passion for flight and became the first woman to pilot a Curtiss biplane at Mineola Field on Long Island.

Gertrude Johnson Harrington
First Lady, 1916-1920
Gregory Stapko, 1972
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1170
First lady during World War I, Mrs. Harrington opened Government House to soldiers, sailors, and charities for receptions, balls, and fundraisers. In addition to her commitment to the war effort, she was also a staunch supporter of the arts and staged several fund- raising concerts for various fine and performing arts organizations.

Edna Viola Amos Nice
First Lady, 1935-39
Stanislav Rembski, 1961
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1022
Beginning in 1935, Edna Nice oversaw the dramatic renovation of Government House from a Victorian mansion to a five-part, Georgian-style country house. On the interior, Mrs. Nice personally directed the renovations and redecoration which included reupholstering furnishings, hanging drapes, and refurbishing bathrooms.

Dorothy Byron Lane
First Lady, 1947-51
Stanislav Rembski, 1961
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1184
Dorothy Lane's concern with enhancing the interior aesthetics of Government House culminated at the end of her tenure with the purchase of an eighteenth century portrait of Horatio Sharpe, Governor under the Restored Proprietary Government in Maryland from 1753 to 1769. Purchased with funds saved from her house- keeping allowance, The Sharpe Family (c. 1753) by Gawen Hamilton was presented to Maryland in 1951 and now hangs in the State Dining Room.

Governor Horatio Sharpe and His Family
Gawen Hamilton, 1753
Maryland State Archives, Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1212
This portrait was purchased by Dorothy Byron Lane in 1951 and presented as a gift to Maryland.

Eugenia Byrnes O'Conor
First Lady, 1939-1947
Stanislav Rembski, 1961
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1204
During her eight-year tenure as first lady, Mrs. O'Conor led an active home life as a mother of five children, while continuing to serve her community and maintain her reputation as an exceptional hostess. She entertained a wide variety of diplomats and royalty in Government House, including British Foreign Secretary, Sir Anthony Eden, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Honolulu Claire Manzer McKeldin
First Lady, 1951-59
Stanislav Rembski, 1961
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1188
Upon becoming first lady in 1951, Honolulu McKeldin asserted her intention to avoid the public eye, so she might focus her energies on raising her children. Despite her initial intentions, Mrs. McKeldin graciously hosted the Queen Mother and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, among other notable guests.

McKeldin Silver Set
A. Jacobi & Co., c. 1954
Silver teapot with stand, sugar bowl with lid, and creamer Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-0510, 1245, 1264
After moving to Annapolis, Mrs. McKeldin remarked that there was very little silver in Government House. A collector of antiques herself, Mrs. McKeldin set out to acquire more silver for the state's collection and purchased this repousse silver coffee and tea service as a gift to Maryland.

Visit of The Queen Mother of England
Marion Warren, November 8, 1954
Gelatin silver print
Courtesy of the Maryland State Archives Special Collections, MSA SC 1938
A highlight of the McKeldin administration was the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother of England to Annapolis on November 8, 1954. The McKeldins escorted The Queen Mother on a tour that included the State House, St. Anne's Church, and the Naval Academy. Local schools closed early to permit schoolchildren to join the thousands of Annapolitans who lined the streets to greet The Queen Mother. After the tour, the party went to Government House for a luncheon of traditional Maryland fare including terrapin a la Maryland.

Helen Avalynne Gibson Tawes
First Lady, 1959-67
Stanislav Rembski, 1961
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1217
Among her many avocations, including cooking, gardening, environmental awareness, and education, Mrs. Tawes pursued an interest in Government House and its first ladies. During her time in Annapolis, she published a pamphlet on the history of the house and worked both to recognize the achievements of her predecessors and to preserve their legacies.

My Favorite Maryland Recipes
Helen Avalynne Tawes, 1964
New York: Random House
Courtesy of the Maryland State Archives, MSA SC 4956-1-37
Mrs. Tawes was an enthusiastic participant in her husband's campaign for governor, handing out a pamphlet of her favorite recipes along with the campaign literature. Later, she expanded the collection into a best- selling cookbook entitled My Favorite Maryland Recipes, and some of her favorite dishes wer served in the Maryland Pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair in New York.

First Ladies Portrait Unveiling
Copy photograph, 1961
Courtesy of the Maryland State Archives, MSA SC 4494-1-2
Helen Tawes was granted a $10,000 appropriation from the General Assembly for the commissioning of five official first lady portraits, of herself and her four most recent predecessors, Honolulu McKeldin, Dorothy Lane, Eugenia O'Conor, and Edna Nice. Mrs. Tawes hung these portraits in Government House, and, as a result of her efforts, it has become customary for each first lady or hostess to have an official portrait made.

Elinor Judefind Agnew
First Lady, 1967-69
Cedric B. Egeli, 1972
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1144
Judy Agnew oversaw important renovations to Government House's infrastructure, including the modernization of the air conditioning, plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. Additions included a fully automated fire alarm and sprinkler system to protect the mansion, as well as a sauna bath and updated kitchen in the private quarters.

Barbara Oberfeld Mandel
First Lady, 1969-74
Henry B. Cooper, 1973
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-1193
Barbara Mandel was keenly interested in the art and furnishings of Government House and worked to identify antiques and important works of art in the collection. She felt these items should be brought more prominently into public view. For example, she discovered an ornate gold French clock in storage and brought it to a place of honor on the Drawing Room mantel where it sits today. Mrs. Mandel also commissioned conservation of several portraits, including The Sharpe Family.

Baldwin Grand Piano
Baldwin Piano Company, 1960
Ebonized case
Courtesy of Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-0601
This grand piano has been in the Drawing Room for more than thirty years and remains part of the long musical tradition of Government House. Beginning with a Knabe grand piano in 1872, the house has been enriched with musical entertainment from its residents and their guests. This same Baldwin grand piano appears in the background of Barbara Mandel's official portrait.

Jeanne Blackistone Dorsey Mandel
First Lady, 1974-1977
Copy photograph, 1976
Courtesy of Capital photo
Jeanne Mandel hosted many distinguished guests at both Government House and on the governor's yacht, Maryland Lady. Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Governor of the Isle of Wight, visited Government House on Maryland Day, March 25, 1976 after appearing before a special session of the Maryland Senate at the Old State House in St. Mary's City. Mrs. Mandel hosted Her Royal Highness Princess Anne The Princess Royal on Maryland Lady on June 18, 1977 when the Princess visited Maryland to unveil a statue of Queen Anne in Centreville.

Gelatin silver print
Courtesy of Governor Marvin Mandel
Governor and Mrs. Mandel with Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Governor of the Isle of Wight on Maryland Day, March 25, 1976.

Patricia Donoho Hughes
First Lady, 1979-87
Cedric B. Egeli, 1987
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-0900
Upon moving into Government House, Patricia Hughes set about reinstalling the public rooms to reflect various periods in Maryland history, while highlighting the diversity and talents of Maryland artists and craftsmen. Working with the Maryland Historical Society, Mrs. Hughes formed the Government House Trust to assist in planning and carrying out the designs, in consultation with the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property.

Maryland's Government House
by Christopher Buckley and Derry Moore
Architectural Digest, November 1986
Courtesy of The Architectural Digest Publishing Corporation
While overseeing the reinstallation of the seven period rooms, Mrs. Hughes established a non-profit organization called The Friends of Government House to raise private funds for the refurbishment. The Friends collected both money and donations of furnishings for use in the house. The efforts of those involved in the reinstallation project were rewarded when Architectural Digest featured Maryland's Government House in its November 1986 issue.

Hilda Mae Snoops Official Hostess, 1987-95 Joseph Sheppard, 1993 Oil on canvas Courtesy of Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 1545-2927 As official hostess throughout William Donald Schaefer's administration, Mrs. Snoops oversaw the installation of a permanent ramp and an elevator for the physically challenged, the installation of a skylight in the entrance hall, as well as the addition of several Waterford crystal chandeliers, Oriental carpets, and a Baltimore-built Knabe piano to the public rooms of Government House. Mrs. Snoops also supervised the redesign of the mansion grounds adding a brick terrace surrounded by curving walks, a rose garden, and a Victorian-style fountain to the residence's landscape.

Government House Fountain Sketch Historical Arts and Casting, Inc., 1989 Sepia digital reproduction Courtesy of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, MSA SC 5225 The most notable exterior change initiated by Mrs. Snoops is the striking fountain that remains a part of Government House's landscape today. The fountain, which can be seen in the background of Mrs. Snoops' official portrait, incorporates Maryland wildlife and agricultural symbols, such as blue crabs, oysters, terrapins, rockfish, waterfowl, white oak leaves, corn and wheat. On September 4, 1994, Governor Schaefer dedicated the fountain to Mrs. Snoops in honor of her commitment to the project, to the mansion, and to the citizens of Maryland.

Silver Evening Purse
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening

Family has always been the most important part of Frances Hughes Glendening's life. This silver evening bag was given to Mrs. Glendening by her grandmother and is one of her most cherished possessions. She uses it for only the most significant occasions.

Frances Hughes Glendening with her mother and three sisters
on her wedding day November 21, 1976
Color photographic reproduction
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening

Frances Hughes Glendening and her son, Raymond
December, 1981
Color photograph in hexagonal frame
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening

Governor and Mrs. Glendening with their son, Raymond, at Governor Glendening's Inaugural Ball
January 18, 1995
Color photographic reproduction
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening

Inaugural Gown
First Lady, 1995-
Courtesy of the Frances Hughes Glendening
Frances Hughes Glendening wore this lace brocade gown to the ball celebrating the first gubernatorial inauguration of her husband, Parris N. Glendening, on January 18, 1995. With seemingly little effort, Mrs. Glendening added the role of first lady to the numerous other priorities in her life, including those of a wife, mother, public administrator and community volunteer.

Glendening Tea Set
China teapot, sugarbowl with lid, and creamer by Wedgwood, Volendam, Georgetown Collection
Antique Tea Strainers
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening
This china tea set is a personal favorite of Mrs. Glendening who collects antique tea strainers as a hobby. She and the governor use this particular set on a regular basis.

Woman of the Year Award
1995
Engraved Glass
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening
Presented to Frances Hughes Glendening by Hospice Caring, Inc. in 1995, this award acknowledges Mrs. Glendening's devotion and commitment to hospice care.

Breast Cancer Awareness Award
October 3, 1999
Multi-media
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening
In recognition of Mrs. Glendening's support of breast cancer awareness, this award was presented to Maryland's current first lady at the Susan G. Komen Maryland Race for the Cure on October 3, 1999.

President's Award from the National Mental Health Association
Engraved glass and metal
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening
Presented to Frances Hughes Glendening on November 1, 1999, this award honors her "outstanding leadership and dedication to children's mental health."

A Celebration of the Arts in Maryland Paperweight
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening
A Celebration of the Arts in Maryland is a state-wide program initiated by Mrs. Glendening in 1995 to promote and highlight Maryland's rich cultural heritage in the visual, performing and literary arts. Mrs. Glendening presents one of thes paperweights to every arts organization that participates in A Celebration of the Arts in Maryland, as well as to artists who display their works and curators who plan exhibits in Government House.

Women of Achievement in Prince George's County
Therese C. Yewell, 1994
Upper Marlboro, MD: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Courtesy of Frances Hughes Glendening
Mrs. Glendening has an abiding interest in women's history and has led the effort to highlight the accomplishments of Maryland women through her support of numerous publications. In addition to If These Walls Could Speak: The Official Residences and Public Lives of Maryland's First Ladies and Official Hostesses, 1777-2000, she is currently spearheading a state-wide women's history text, Women of Achievement in Maryland.