Who is this Woman?
Solve one of the Archives' Enduring Mysteries

Painting of an Older Woman Circa 1850

While College historians and archivists have long and lovingly stewarded our collection of historical papers, photos, art, and artifacts, there are still many things in our collection about which we know very little.

Based on clues such as how the woman is dressed and the style and technique of the painting, we can guess that this was likely made sometime in the mid-1800s. However, big questions remain. Who is this woman, and who painted her? How did she shape the history of Washington College? Who thought to save this painting and to gift it to our archive? What stories might we uncover if we invested in researching and repairing this historical object?

If you know anything that could help solve who the woman in the painting is, or her relationship to the College, please contact Lindsay Sheldon lsheldon2@washcoll.edu