Exhibitions
Sulgrave Manor was built by George Washington’s direct ancestor, Lawrence, in 1539. Today, the Manor tells the stories of the people who have lived in it through the centuries, from the busy family home of the Washingtons to a working Victorian farmhouse.
The Manor showcases antique furniture, textiles and domestic artefacts that tell the story of the house from its Tudor origins, to its eighteenth-century revival, to its purchase in 1914 by the Anglo-American Peace Treaty. Many of the pieces in our collection were gifted by donors from both the UK and the US, through which we continue to tell our story of friendship between nations.
Exhibitions
Sulgrave Stories
This exhibition tells the story of the purchase of Sulgrave Manor by donors in the US and the UK to celebrate 100 years of peace between the two nations. Displays showcase a selection of objects that have been gifted to the Manor over the years, including more quirky items like a piece of George Washington’s hair. Visitors are encouraged to question what friendship means to them and what role it plays in their lives.
Stories of Immigration
This exhibition gives space to the complex narratives of migration, exploring how people's journeys have shaped their sense of home and identity. We invite visitors to reflect on their own experiences and feelings about home and place through personal stories, historical contexts, and interactive displays. We consider how it would feel to leave your home for a new life far away in an unknown country, acknowledging how relevant this story is to the twenty-first century. Visitors are invited to reflect on how they would try to find their place in a new community and the challenges they might face.
Life and Legacy
Our internationally significant George Washington collection is made up of archive materials, works of art and objects relating to Washington’s personal life, including his velvet frock coat.
Discover the story of America’s first president, chart his road to presidency and explore his relationships with those around him and how they influenced the course of his life. The exhibition encourages visitors to question ‘why does America need a president?’ and ‘did George suspect that his legacy would live on centuries after his death?’.
Enjoy the opportunity to get up close to some of George’s personal belongings, including his velvet frock coat. Including interactive elements, the ‘issues wall’ prompts visitors to discuss contemporary
