This dress belonged to Judith Hays Myers of Richmond, Virginia. Born September 2, 1767, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Moses Michael Hayes, a prominant businessman in Boston and his wife Rachel. On September 21, 1796, she became the second wife of Samuel Myers of Virginia-the same day that her sister, Sally, married Samuel's brother, Moses. Part of a small, and active, Jewish community in Richmond, Samuel was known for his civic involvement. Judith and Samuel had six children and also cared for two of Samuel's nieces. Many years later her granddaughter described her as "small, dark, pretty and pleasing, and idolized by her children." Judith died February 2, 1844, and is buried in Richmond. Her dress is very plain, but is made of a very heavy silk satin, befitting her status as the wife of a middle-aged merchant. It was exhibited in the Hall of American Costume from 1964 to 1973.
