John Marshall House

Mary Willis Ambler Marshall-–known as “Polly” to her family—was born on March 18, 1766 to Jacquelin Ambler and Rebecca Burwell Ambler. Polly’s early years were characterized by her upbringing in a prominent Tidewater family, and by the impacts of the American Revolution. By age 14, Polly’s father was targeted by the British army and her family spent two weeks fleeing the redcoats.

While performing restoration work at the John Marshall House in Richmond, Preservation Virginia staff made a recent discovery. House bell systems were used through the federal period to call for […]

What do John Marshall and Taylor Swift have in common? Well, we’re glad you asked. Whether or not you’ve been a Swiftie since she debuted her first album in 2006, you’ve no doubt heard about Taylor Swift’s new album, Midnights, her upcoming Eras tour, and the digital stampede that took place on TicketMaster.com of fans seeking tickets earlier this week.

My name is Zoe Brooks and I am a junior undergraduate student at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, where I am majoring in History. I am from Appalachia, Virginia, and I just interned with Preservation Virginia’s John Marshall House during the month of January for Hollins’ “J-Term.”

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, the John Marshall House had the pleasure of hosting the Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation (CPRI) from five o’clock in the evening until midnight, as they conducted an on-site investigation of the first and second floors of the Great Chief Justice’s 1790 Richmond home.

By Matthew Nichol, VCU ’21, Education Intern February 15, 2021 Happy Presidents Day from the John Marshall House! We love to talk about American Presidents and the relationship between the […]

Since the holidays will look different for many families this year, let us look back and examine how Early Americans like Chief Justice John Marshall, his family, and the enslaved community who supported the household, celebrated the holiday. Which customs and traditions sound familiar to you and your family, and which have faded into obscurity?

Traveling the short distance from his home in the Court End of Richmond to the Constitutional Convention in June 1788, the future Chief Justice John Marshall arrived in new shoes, […]

It’s easy to forget the noise. A historic house is usually encountered as a quiet space, a silence broken only by the cadence of the interpreter’s narrative, and perhaps the […]

On August 26, 1795, President George Washington found himself in need of an Attorney General of the United States to serve within his administration.

Although the Kentucky Derby is postponed, don’t wait to enjoy one of Chief Justice John Marshall’s favorite drinks, the mint julep. Preservation Virginia’s curator of collections (and native Kentuckian) Lea Lane explores how this icy refresher made its way to Richmond and beyond, then shows how you can make one at home using a locally distilled rum.

As a historic homeowner, spring cleaning takes special care and knowledge of the unique materials that make up your home. You don’t need to be an expert preservationist to spring clean your historic home, but try to keep these tips in mind as you tidy up.

All throughout June, stop by the John Marshall House to learn how race and identity were constructed in early Federal America and the role the Marshall court played in its […]