Founded
in 1982 by Karl C. Harrison, a Columbiana banker and philanthropist, the
Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington has become an important
forum for learning about America’s first First Family. Through
the foresighted efforts and encouragement of Martha Washington's
granddaughter Eliza Parke Custis, family heirlooms have been lovingly
passed down through generations. In the early 1980's, Shelby County
resident Charlotte Smith, Weaver, a sixth generation granddaughter of
Martha, decided to share her legacy with the public, providing the basis
of the museum.
The Karl C. Harrison Museum of
George Washington collection focuses on art and artifacts from the
colonial period through 1865. The collection contains paintings,
letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts and
more. Martha Washington’s prayer book printed in New York in 1783, an
original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, writing
instruments and tools from George Washington’ s survey case and an
original tintype depicting Robert E. Lee in his uniform for the last
time are just a few collection highlights.
The Museum occupies a new wing
of the Harrison Regional Library. The beautifully design museum provides
just the right atmosphere for a trip in time back to 1776. Moving into
the new facility in the fall of 2000 brought together the entire
collection of over 1,000 artifacts.
The Freedoms Foundation of
Valley Forge presented the George Washington Honor Medal to the Museum
in 1999. The Museum has been featured in the monthly magazine The
Daughters of the American Revolution as well as included in the
"Hometown Spotlight" section of the American Profile.
Visitors of all ages find something wonderful at the Museum.
The Karl C. Harrison Museum is
supported entirely by donations. Funds are needed for daily operation of
the Museum as well as for programming and outreach activities.
Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. If you are interested in
learning more about the museum or how you can become a partner in our
efforts, please contact Helen Dean at (205)669-8767 or by e-mail.
