Martha Washington, the Indispensable Woman for the Indispensable Man
presented by Millie Henley
Millie Henley
RESERVATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2023
Mrs. Hayner’s Birthday Tea
Thursday, April 20th, 2 pm
Sunday, April 23rd, 2 pm
Cost is $20 per person
Enjoy a relaxing time with friends, a cup of tea from The Republic of Tea, and a plate of refreshments by
Starry Dreams Catering.
Millie Henley of Historical Connections will tell about Martha Washington’s life of love and support when she portrays Martha Washington, Indispensable Woman for the Indispensable Man at Mrs. Hayner’s Birthday Teas on Thursday April 20 and Sunday April 23 at 2:00 p.m. at historic Troy-Hayner Cultural Center located at 301 W. Main St. in Troy, OH.
Everyone has seen pictures of Martha Washington. She’s the little white-haired lady in a mobcap. But Martha was much more than that. Her unfailing support of her husband throughout eight long years of the Revolutionary War and through eight incredibly difficult and contentious years of the first presidency made all the difference in George Washington’s ability to perform what he was called upon to do for the nation.
Henley said that when she was studying George Washington’s life she could see how Martha was his bulwark and source of unconditional love. George’s childhood was difficult. His mother was a critical and stern woman. His father died when he was only 11 years old. “When cheerful and supportive Martha came into his life it must have felt like a warming ray of sunshine to him,” Henley said.
“They each did better than they knew when they married. Her wealth raised him to the pinnacle of the Virginia hierarchy and her love gave him a sense of security. He loved her children from her first marriage and he managed her holdings with skill and integrity. Neither of them could see the hardships and trials that would come when duty required him to step into public life, but their reliance on each other was what pulled them through.”
“Only a few of their letters survive, but what letters! Tall, reserved Washington sounded to me like Mr. Darcy when he wrote to Martha as he was about to take command of the Continental Army. It is a wonderful love story,” Henley said.
Millie Henley has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s Degree from Kent State University. She worked as a professional librarian for 25 years and is an avid lifelong student of history, spending months researching each project. She travels to historic reenactments of the 18th and 19th Centuries and delights in historic dancing. Through her enterprise Historical Connections she shares her passion for history with audiences who may not have known how intriguing it is. She presents the talks in period style clothing to match each subject.
Reservations are required and can be made in person at the Hayner Center or online at www.troyhayner.org.
Mrs. Hayner’s Birthday Tea
Thursday, April 20th, 2 pm
Sunday, April 23rd, 2 pm
Cost is $20 per person
Enjoy a relaxing time with friends, a cup of tea from The Republic of Tea, and a plate of refreshments by
Starry Dreams Catering.
Millie Henley of Historical Connections will tell about Martha Washington’s life of love and support when she portrays Martha Washington, Indispensable Woman for the Indispensable Man at Mrs. Hayner’s Birthday Teas on Thursday April 20 and Sunday April 23 at 2:00 p.m. at historic Troy-Hayner Cultural Center located at 301 W. Main St. in Troy, OH.
Everyone has seen pictures of Martha Washington. She’s the little white-haired lady in a mobcap. But Martha was much more than that. Her unfailing support of her husband throughout eight long years of the Revolutionary War and through eight incredibly difficult and contentious years of the first presidency made all the difference in George Washington’s ability to perform what he was called upon to do for the nation.
Henley said that when she was studying George Washington’s life she could see how Martha was his bulwark and source of unconditional love. George’s childhood was difficult. His mother was a critical and stern woman. His father died when he was only 11 years old. “When cheerful and supportive Martha came into his life it must have felt like a warming ray of sunshine to him,” Henley said.
“They each did better than they knew when they married. Her wealth raised him to the pinnacle of the Virginia hierarchy and her love gave him a sense of security. He loved her children from her first marriage and he managed her holdings with skill and integrity. Neither of them could see the hardships and trials that would come when duty required him to step into public life, but their reliance on each other was what pulled them through.”
“Only a few of their letters survive, but what letters! Tall, reserved Washington sounded to me like Mr. Darcy when he wrote to Martha as he was about to take command of the Continental Army. It is a wonderful love story,” Henley said.
Millie Henley has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s Degree from Kent State University. She worked as a professional librarian for 25 years and is an avid lifelong student of history, spending months researching each project. She travels to historic reenactments of the 18th and 19th Centuries and delights in historic dancing. Through her enterprise Historical Connections she shares her passion for history with audiences who may not have known how intriguing it is. She presents the talks in period style clothing to match each subject.
Reservations are required and can be made in person at the Hayner Center or online at www.troyhayner.org.
