National Martha Day
Sunday, December 27, 2026
From Scripture to the New World. Like many biblical names, Martha was uncommon in England until the Protestant Reformation renewed interest in Old Testament and New Testament given names. By the colonial period, it had become a standard choice in English-speaking families. Its most prominent colonial bearer, Martha Dandridge, married Daniel Parke Custis in 1749 and inherited17,500 acresand a large estate upon his death.Her 1759 marriage to George Washington brought her to Mount Vernon and, eventually, to the new nation's capital. As the first presidential spouse, Martha Washington defined the social role of what would later be called First Lady, hosting receptions and joining her husband at wartime encampments during the Revolution
History
From Scripture to the New World. Like many biblical names, Martha was uncommon in England until the Protestant Reformation renewed interest in Old Testament and New Testament given names. By the colonial period, it had become a standard choice in English-speaking families. Its most prominent colonial bearer, Martha Dandridge, married Daniel Parke Custis in 1749 and inherited17,500 acresand a large estate upon his death.Her 1759 marriage to George Washington brought her to Mount Vernon and, eventually, to the new nation's capital. As the first presidential spouse, Martha Washington defined the social role of what would later be called First Lady, hosting receptions and joining her husband at wartime encampments during the Revolution
How It's Celebrated
National Martha Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.