Erby shares clues about Mount Vernon with DAR

Published 4:12 pm Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Adam Erby, an associate curator at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, was the guest speaker during the March meeting of the William Taylor Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter.

“Erby, a favorite speaker at William Taylor DAR Chapter meetings, received recognition as a DAR Good Citizen while a student at Central High School of Lunenburg,” club officials said in a press release. “From there, he went on to graduate at the University of Virginia and the program of study at Winterthur. Soon after, he was hired at George Washington’s Mount Vernon where he was soon promoted from assistant curator to associate curator, specializing in fine and decorative arts. His articles have been published in many antiques journals, and he was the lead author of the book ‘The General in the Garden.’”

With the skill of a mystery writer uncovering clues, Erby led his audience through the steps of finding furnishings at auction and confirming that they were originally at Mount Vernon, club officials said. “This has been especially important in his most recent assignment: that of returning the home’s front parlor to its original glory. The front parlor was the central space for the Washington family and where they received guests prior to the addition of the ‘New Room,’ which Erby also played an important role in refurbishing.”

According to the release, DAR has a great interest in the restoration of American antiquities. “Those wanting to learn more about the William Taylor Chapter can search for its website on the internet. Members of the chapter reside primarily in the counties of Brunswick, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and Nottoway.”