Two displays in the Eleutherian Mills Residence showcase rarely shown du Pont family objects from Hagley's collections.
These items will be on display through September 1, 2025.
Coming To America Display - The du Pont family arrived in America 225 years ago. Each object symbolizes an event from the family’s life in France, their journey to a new country, or their early years along the banks of the Brandywine.
Du Pont Family Weddings, 1813-1942 - Wedding gatherings in the early nineteenth century—when the du Pont Family first arrived in the United States—were usually small, intimate affairs held in the bride’s home, with family and close friends in attendance. The wedding items in this display were handed down from generation to generation. Some pieces were worn by the descendants of the brides; some were worn by, or belonged to, residents of Eleutherian Mills.
The displays include about fifty family owned items. Highlights from the displays:
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Silver and Diamond Ring given to Pierre Samuel by King Louis XVI of France as a sign of the monarch’s esteem for du Pont. |
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Conseil des Anciens medal - Made up of 250 members, the Conseil des Anciens was the upper house of the French legislature, who accepted or rejected laws presented by the lower house. The counsel was active during the second half of the French Revolution, and Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours served as its president from July 19, 1797, to August 18, 1797. |
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Women’s Gloves - White kid (goatskin) gloves worn by Eleuthera du Pont (1806-1876), daughter of E. I. and Sophie du Pont, in 1824 to the Lafayette Ball in Philadelphia. The Marquis de Lafayette was a good friend of the du Pont family. During his grand tour of the United States in 1824-1825, Lafayette stayed with the family and wrote in Eleuthera’s autograph book: “After having seen nearly half a century ago, the banks of the Brandywine a scene of bloody fighting, I am happy to find it now the seat of industry, beauty and mutual friendship.” |
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Jean Kane Foulke du Pont’s Wedding Gown Ivory silk satin gown with square neckline, empire waist, and a slight A-line skirt with a square train, 1910. Jean Kane Foulke (1891-1985), daughter of George Rhyfedd (1965-1901) and Jean Kane Foulke (1867-1962), married Eleuthère “E.” Paul du Pont, son of Francis Gurney (1850-1904) and Elise Wigfall Simons du Pont (1850-1919). Jean Kane Foulke du Pont was a suffragist, prison reform activist, and philanthropist. Her wedding gown was also worn by her granddaughters, Jean du Pont Blair and Joanna Lewis. |