A Colonial Valentine

Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson led a life of romance and tragedy. One of the most highly regarded women of her time, she was well educated, the daughter of a prominent Philadelphia physician and the granddaughter of the former Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. A successful writer and socialite, she hosted famed literary gatherings and counted luminaries of Colonial Philadelphia society amongst her closest friends and confidents. On the surface, she seemed to have it all: engaged at a young age to William Franklin, money, prestige, family connections, and success. So how did it all go so wrong for her? Left broken-hearted when Franklin married another, the untimely deaths of her parents, an ill-fated marriage to Loyalist Henry Hugh Fergusson, and the subsequent Revolutionary War were to drastically alter the course of Elizabeth?s life. Her husband?s loyalties led to most of her worldly possessions being auctioned off and she was left fighting to retain her ancestral home. Her last years were spent in virtual seclusion. She alienated all but her closest friends. Her husband returned to England, branded a traitor and with rumors of his infidelity swirling throughout the city. Financial woes forced Elizabeth out of her beautiful estate at Graeme Park to take up rooms as a boarder in someone else?s home. Learn about Elizabeth?s loves and losses on Graeme Park?s annual Colonial Valentine tours, featuring costumed actors portraying scenes from Elizabeth?s life in candlelit vignettes throughout the historic Keith House. Tours are being held February 12 at 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 and are $12/person. Reservations are required and must be held with a credit card. Light refreshments are included.