Elizabeth Keaney portrays the young Martha Washington at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.
Getting dressed up to play young Martha Washington at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate is a honor — but it’s also a huge responsibility.
Elizabeth Keaney has been a museum educator since 2001. “I’ve taught history, art and science in museums from DC to Alaska,” she said. She was first hired at Mount Vernon in February 2004.
“When I returned in 2017, it was my fourth time being employed at Mount Vernon,” she said. “I’ve been a history interpreter, historic trades interpreter and character interpreter.”
For Keaney, playing young Martha Washington at Mount Vernon is the fulfillment of a longtime goal. “I was working as a history interpreter at Mount Vernon and was helping Mary Wiseman, the incomparable Lady Washington, during Christmas programs and realized the work she was doing was my dream job,” she said. “I literally ran after her after the program and asked if she would teach me,” she said. “Mary has been my mentor for 13 years. We have been working toward this opportunity for more than a decade!”
Keaney plays the role of young Martha Washington Monday through Thursday; you’ll most often find her in the historic area or the Interpretive Center. “I mostly portray Mrs. Washington at Mount Vernon,” she said, “but through our outreach programs, I’ve portrayed her in schools and other venues to share Mount Vernon’s mission.”
Elizabeth Keaney grew up in St. Louis, Mo., but moved to Rockville, Md. when she was 17. “The DMV is home,” she said.
What is the most challenging part of playing the part of Martha Washington?
I constantly check to make sure what I am doing is based on primary source documents and scholarly research. It is an incredible honor to portray Martha Washington but a huge responsibility; the most important thing to me is to share who she really was and not perpetuate myths about her and George Washington.
What do you enjoy most about portraying Martha Washington?
Seeing the looks on people’s faces when I tell them that “we” (George and Martha Washington) are proud and loyal subjects of His Majesty, King George! I portray Martha Washington in the years leading up to the American Revolution when many colonists hoped for an amicable solution to their disagreements with Parliament. My goal in portraying a younger Martha Washington is to show how the early years of their lives informed the icons they would become.
What have you learned about Martha Washington that surprised you most?
That she wasn’t the wealthiest widow in Virginia! In fact, she didn’t inherit any of the property her first husband owned after his death. It was all held in a trust for their children because Daniel Custis died without a will. But she managed it herself until she married George Washington. Can you imag-ine? What an incredible woman.
Do you alter your own mannerisms or way of speaking to portray Martha Washington?
Absolutely. One of the greatest resources is Martha Washington’s letters. She wrote quite candidly to her family and they give great insight to her style of speaking. The clothing, made by our fantastic seamstress Kathrin Breitt Brown, makes a huge impact on how I move — the stays (a corset-like garment) and layers of petticoats are very different from my regular athleisure wear. Language and clothing are very important to character interpretation; they help bring our visitors to a different time via audial and visual cues.
When you aren’t playing the first lady, what do you like to do for fun?
I love visiting museums. I believe museums and historic sites have the ability to transform lives and maybe even change the world.
What do you like most about Alexandria?
I love that Alexandria is a vibrant contemporary place that appreciates its rich history. Having working artists at the Torpedo Factory mere blocks from the site where Washington built a townhouse is incredible and I love that Alexandria celebrates all of it.
What would you change about Alexandria if you could?
Can we get a street named for Martha Washington?
