About

Based on her book of the same name, A History of Stepfamilies in Early America, Lisa Wilson counters the modern notion that stepfamilies are the unique burden of the present. They were, in fact, quite common in the historical past and were the subject of popular culture and the lived experience of many.

George Washington’s family was one such stepfamily. Washington was the father of the country and yet had no biological children of his own. He was, however, a doting stepfather and step-grandfather.

Wilson also suggests the stories of early American stepfamilies provide us with insights about our own families today.