Please join us for the NHPS Lecture on the Lawn at the site of Arlington House and the Custis Tombs Sunday, October 23rd at 2:00 pm. Arlington House was a late 17th Century brick mansion built by John Custis II in 1670. In 1696, the property was inherited by his grandson, John Custis IV, who lived there until sometime after his marriage to Frances Parke. He then moved to Williamsburg but, when he died, he wished to be buried at Arlington House in Northampton.
Their son, Daniel Parke Custis, married Martha Dandridge who, following Daniel’s death, married George Washington. All that remains of the house today is the brick foundation and the tombs of John Custis II and John Custis IV. This outdoor lecture at the site by Dr. David Scott who will cover the history of the Arlington mansion, the Custis tombs, and the Custis family – including the turbulent marriage of John and Frances Custis.
The site was saved from development by the Arlington Foundation and is now owned by the Archaeological Conservancy, who will preserve and manage it for the future. NHPS is partnered with the Archaeological Conservancy for the interpretation and promotion of the site.
Bring your friends and family to acquaint them with this Northampton treasure. You will also need to bring lawn chairs. Please refer to the NHPS website for more information about NHPS and for any rescheduling of the event due to weather. Advance tickets are not required but a donation ($10 per person) to support the restoration of the 1907 Jail and other Northampton Historical Preservation efforts would be appreciated.
Directions to the Lecture: The Arlington house and Custis Tomb site is west of Route 13 about three miles south of the Cape Charles light. Follow the “Custis Tomb” sign off the highway onto Arlington Road (Rt. 644). Continue straight onto Custis Tomb Road (still Rt. 644) where Arlington Road makes a left turn. The site is about two miles on the right. NHPS “red arrow” signs will be in place to direct you.
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