A Colonial Valentine February 14, 2009

Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson was privileged and well-educated. She was engaged to William Franklin and friends with many men and women who would make names for themselves in Colonial America. Her friend Dr. Benjamin Rush referred to her as a “glittering gossip” and she was a renowned salon hostess who surrounded herself with educated and talented writers, musicians, doctors, and lawyers.

On the surface, she seemed to have it all, but an ill-fated marriage to Loyalist Henry Hugh Fergusson and the subsequent Revolutionary War were to drastically alter the course of Elizabeth’s life. Her last years were spent in virtual seclusion. She alienated all but her closest friends, her husband returned to England, and she moved out of her beautiful estate at Graeme Park to take up rooms as a boarder in someone else’s home.

Learn about Elizabeth’s loves and losses on our annual Valentine’s Day tour, which features costumed actors portraying scenes from Elizabeth’s life in candlelit vignettes throughout the historic Keith House. A unique way to spend Valentine’s Day with a loved one or a group of friends. Tours are being held on February 14 at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 pm and are $12/person, which includes light refreshments. Tours are limited in number and must be reserved in advance and prepaid. 215-343-0965. www.ushistory.org/graeme