Dolley Madison's Life through Fashion:

Dressing the Part

View the fascinating life of America's beloved First Lady through a special exhibit of period gowns recently created for the PBS "American Experience" series — Dolley Madison, America's First Lady. The eight gown designs, exhibited on the mansion's second floor, reveal Dolley's life from her humble beginnings as a young Quaker woman in Philadelphia to the Nation's First Lady. The costumes reflect Dolley's unique style, lovely charm, and warm personality that endeared her to our young nation. Visitors will see an insider's view of the design of the period gowns through fashion plates from Dolley Madison's time, modern sketches of the costumes, and a video clip that shows the making of one of the dresses. Visit "Dolley Madison's Life Through Fashion: Dressing The Part" to get to know the woman who inspired the title "First Lady."

The exhibit is included with the purchase of a regular admission ticket. The second floor exhibit is accessible by stairs only. A pictorial will be available for guests who do not use stairs. 

• June 15, 2011 — March 31, 2012