· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The remains of Eliza Monroe Hay, the daughter of U.S. President James Monroe, are being returned to Virginia after nearly two centuries
• Buried in Paris in 1840 in an unmarked grave, Eliza’s story had long been overlooked
• A years-long effort led by Barbara VornDick and others finally brought her remains back to be reburied at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, alongside her father and other family members
🔭 The context: Eliza Monroe Hay, once a prominent figure in American society, had a tumultuous life, marked by financial struggles and familial conflicts
• After her father’s presidency, she faced personal hardships, including the loss of her inheritance due to her brother-in-law’s financial mismanagement
• Though dismissed in historical narratives as aloof, VornDick’s research uncovered a more complex picture of Eliza’s life, marked by resilience and care for others
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This story highlights the broader issues of historical representation and the overlooked contributions of women in history
• Eliza’s repatriation is a symbolic gesture that reclaims a forgotten chapter of American history, offering a chance for reflection on how women’s roles, especially in early American society, have often been misrepresented or minimized
• The efforts to return her remains also emphasize the significance of preserving historical integrity and honoring personal legacies.
⏭️ What's next: Eliza Monroe Hay will be reburied on October 23, 2025, at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, joining her father and family
• This repatriation marks the completion of a long journey for VornDick and others involved, who are now turning their attention to preserving Eliza’s legacy and ensuring that her story is told in a more accurate and compassionate light
💬 One quote: “If this could happen to the daughter of a president, that she could end up with her inheritance just flat-out denied her and end up as a pauper dying far from home — we know that happened to other women during that era,” said Barbara VornDick
📈 One stat: The efforts to return Eliza’s remains included contacting over 30 living descendants and navigating complex legal and bureaucratic hurdles across the U.S. and France
Explore carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies on Data Hub™ — the first platform designed to help sustainability providers generate sales leads!
Click for more news covering the latest on ethical governance
