Westmoreland County Museum News
The 1768 portrait of Sir William Pitt, Lord Chatham of the
British House of Commons. traveled to Westmoreland
County in 1769 by ship to the intended destination of the
Westmoreland County Courthouse. After various residences,
the portrait was moved to the Westmoreland County
Courthouse in August, where it was originally intended to
be displayed.
On September 9, Stratford Hall will hold a symposium to
discuss the history of the painting as well as the techniques
used to create the reproduction that hangs at Stratford Hall.
More details below
Pitt Symposium
Pitt, Peale & the Patriots Symposium:
Saturday, September 9, 2023
1:00 – 7:30 p.m.
A Collaborative Effort of Stratford Hall,
Westmoreland County Museum,
and Preservation Northern Neck and
Middle Peninsula. A Northern Neck 250 event.
In the walk-up to commemorations of this
nation’s 250th anniversary, join us
in the Stratford Hall Council House
for a symposium on patriot and
painter Charles Willson Peale’s portrait
of British statesman William Pitt.
Edmund Jenings of Maryland and London
gifted the portrait to the “gentlemen [and
women] of Westmoreland” through the
offices of Richard Henry Lee. The painting
hung at Lee residences Chantilly and
Stratford Hall before settling ultimately in
the Westmoreland County Museum, where
it hangs today. An exquisite reproduction
painting and complementary frame to
scale now adorns the parlor at Stratford Hall.
Come experience this portrait.
Learn more about Peale’s spectacular commemorative
portrait of Pitt’s defense of colonial liberties.
The one-day symposium opens at 1 p.m.
with a keynote by Dr. J. Patrick Mullins,
Associate Professor of History and Director
of Public History at Marquette
University. A reception at the Inn at Montross
and viewing of the Peale original concludes
the day. Distinguished speakers include Lucinda
Dukes Edinberg (Curator, Hammond-Harwood
House Museum), Bradley Stevens (realist
painter and accomplished portraitist),
F. Carey Howlett (Conservator of Historic Furniture
and Architectural Interiors), and
Sandy Jensen (Conservator of Gilded Objects).
Speakers will focus on the historical context and
significance of the Pitt portrait and commission,
its political and art historical contents,
and the art and value of its reproduction
for Stratford Hall.
Program & Reception Schedule
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.: J. Patrick Mullins
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Lucinda Dukes Edinberg
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.: Bradley Stevens
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Carey Howlett & Sandy Jensen
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Original Pitt Portrait Viewing at
the Historic Courthouse and
Reception at the Inn at Montross
Seating is limited, so reserve your space now!
$30 General Admission
$20 for Friends of Stratford, Westmoreland County
Museum members, and PNNMP members
$10 for Students
Click below for tickets