Mary Anna Henry

Mary Anna Henry (1834–1903) was a prolific diarist who documented her experiences and observations while residing in Washington, DC's Smithsonian Institution Building during the American Civil War. Her diary, which has transcribed by the Smithsonian Institution, is noted for its level of detail and is used to teach the history of the Civil War.

Mary Anna Henry, c. 1855

Early life

Mary Anna Henry was born in Princeton, New Jersey to Joseph and Harriet Henry. The Henry family relocated to Washington, DC when Mary's father, Joseph Henry, was appointed as the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The Henry family lived in the Smithsonian's Castle building from 1855 to 1878.[1]

Mary Henry's diary entry, April 15, 1865, recounting news of President Lincoln's Assassination

Diary

From 1858 to 1868, Henry kept a diary that included her experiences within the Smithsonian building, news reports of major Civil War battles, observations of troop movements, and attitudes of the people of Washington, DC.[1] Henry also wrote a

detailed retelling of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and his funeral.[2][3][4]

In her life in Washington, DC, Henry met with powerful social, political, and military leaders. Due to her father's position, Henry also greeted and entertained scholars and scientists visiting the Smithsonian Institution Building, or "the Castle".[1][2]

References
  1. seanm (2012-09-14). "Mary Henry: Eyewitness to the Civil War". Smithsonian Institution Archives. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  2. "Mary Henry Diary". rememberinglincoln.fords.org. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  3. "Mary Anna Henry". History of American Women. 2007-11-08. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  4. Clough, G. Wayne. "Civil Discourse". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2021-04-18.

Mary Henry's Diary

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