In 2022, Richard “Dana” Moore, a history enthusiast and artifact collector, stumbled upon a framed fragment of canvas that was purported to have come from one of George Washington’s tents on Goodwill‘s online thrift store.
The fragment was featured in the historical documents section of the website, where it was accompanied by a note claiming that the fragment was from Washington’s tent, which was displayed at the 300th anniversary of Jamestown in 1907.
According to a story published by CNN, Moore was initially skeptical of the fragment due to the abundant prevalence of fakes, but after much scrutiny over the aged appearance of the fragment and two weeks of handwringing, he decided to bid, ultimately winning the artifact for $1,700.
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Upon receiving the fragment, Moore contacted the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, knowing that its collection held Washington’s sleeping and office tents. Matthew Skic, curator of exhibitions, expressed excitement but needed to authenticate the fragment. The museum’s conservator confirmed its authenticity by examining the fabric weave and the red wool trim, suggesting it was likely cut from the edge of Washington’s dining marquee.
“This [fragment] is a lot of fun because it came from an unlikely spot,” Skic said. “You don’t expect to find these kinds of historical treasures in a place like that, although this is not the first historical treasure that has come up via Goodwill.”
The Museum of the American Revolution included the fragment in an exhibit titled “Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent,” which opened in February 2023 and will run until January 5, 2025. Once the exhibition closes, the fragment will be returned to Moore, who is thought to be the only private citizen to own one of these historical slivers of canvas.
The note that accompanied Moore’s fragment links it to John Burns, who likely cut it as a souvenir during the 1907 exposition. Mary Custis Lee, Washington’s wife’s great-granddaughter, had loaned the tent for display. The museum will continue to explore the fragment’s history, especially regarding Burns. As for Moore, he says the fact that he owns such a storied piece of American history “gives him chills at night.”
“It’s the history behind it,” Moore told CNN. “Can you imagine the information and the things that were said within that tent?”