Preview for Nelly Madison Hite’s Dress Exhibit
Belle Grove opens for the season on Saturday, March 15, but on Friday, March 14 is a unique chance to preview a new exhibit!
Newly on display this year will be a replica of the dress that Nelly Madison Hite wears in her 1799 portrait. The younger sister of James Madison, she married Isaac Hite Jr. of Belle Grove in 1783. In the portrait Nelly is 29 and wearing the high fashion of her day--a dress of opulent imported silk.
Come enjoy conversation with period clothier Mallory Dansereau of Sycamore Spring Clothier and historians Robin Young and Kristen Laise. Tea & sweets served.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased here:
Please select which session you would like to attend:
10-11:45 a.m.
12-1:45 p.m.
2-3:45 p.m.
This exhibit is part of a larger project researching the life of Nelly Madison Hite and the lives of the enslaved women who served as her childcare workers. It has been funded by grants from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's Commonwealth History Fund (presented by Dominion Energy) and Crescent Cities Charities.
