"Our Face to the World: The Clothing of James and Elizabeth Monroe"

"Our Face to the World" is a brand-new exhibit of the museum’s recently-restored costume collection. The 42 pieces in the collection include gowns, vests, coats, hats, shoes, shawls and jewelry, all of which were owned and worn by James and Elizabeth Monroe. Highlights include the wedding dress of Elizabeth Monroe and two vests worn by James Monroe on the eve of the Revolutionary War. The restoration of these priceless pieces was the most expensive project in the museum's history, and visitors can now enjoy the stunning results in this limited-engagement exhibit, which truly brings these historic personalities to life. The exhibit will run through April 5, 2010.