Dolley Madison

Hello! My name is Dolley Madison. I was born a long, long time ago, on May 20th, 1768. I grew up in a Quaker family, which meant we believed in living simply and peacefully with others. I always loved to laugh and wear bright, cheerful colors, which was a little different from my family's quiet ways. But our home was always filled with love, and I enjoyed making people happy. My cheerful spirit was a big part of who I was, even when I was just a little girl. I carried that happiness with me my whole life.

When I grew up, I met a very kind and smart man named James Madison. We were married on September 15th, 1794. I was so proud when he later became the fourth president of the United States! In 1809, we moved into a big white house in a new city called Washington, D.C. As the president's wife, it was my job to be the hostess. I loved throwing big parties and inviting everyone to come. I invited people from different political parties and different countries to our home. I wanted them all to talk and become friends. It was important to me that everyone felt welcome in our country's new home.

Our country had a difficult time during a conflict called the War of 1812. On a very scary day in August of 1814, we heard that British soldiers were coming to burn Washington, D.C. Everyone was rushing to leave the city, and I knew I had to leave the White House, too. But before I left, I looked at a giant painting of our first president, George Washington. I knew I could not let it be destroyed. It was a symbol of our new country. I told my staff, “We must save that painting!” They worked quickly to take it down and get it to a safe place. It was saved just before the soldiers arrived and set fire to the house. I felt I had protected something very special.

After my husband James was no longer president, we moved back to our home in Virginia. Years later, after he was gone, I returned to Washington, D.C. People there still remembered me, and I was a beloved guest at many parties and events. I lived to be 81 years old. Today, people remember me for my cheerful spirit and for making the role of the First Lady one of warmth and kindness. And, of course, they remember the day I saved George Washington's portrait, which showed my love for our country and its history.