About

Learn the fascinating story of the nation's first "first family" with historian Cassandra Good. Good chronicles the lives of George Washington's step-grandchildren, the Custises, whom he and Martha raised. One of them, Nelly Custis Lewis, spent the last decade of her life here at Audley. The Custis siblings were celebrities in the nineteenth century, widely recognized as carriers of George Washington's legacy. Their story – long overlooked – parallels America’s story in its first century: military triumph and tragedy; democracy and old aristocratic ties; visions of liberty alongside slavery.

The book was named a finalist for the 2024 George Washington Prize and the Library of Virginia Reader's Choice Award. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Cassandra Good is a writer and historian, serving as Associate Professor of History at Marymount University. She received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. Good is the award-winning author of books, articles, and audio courses for both academic and public audiences. Her work has been supported by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the George Washington Library at Mount Vernon.