Sally Holmes of Alfred wore this evening gown in Washington, DC during James Monroe's administration from 1817-1825 when her husband, John Holmes, served as one of Maine's first US senators after Statehood. Sally and her daughter, Sarah Ann, spent "the season" in Washington.

The wide waistband and puff sleeve cuffs are trimmed with the fashionable metallic silver embroidery of the day, and an elaborate chenille and metallic silver corsage embellishes the bodice.