Buried in France in 1840, a U.S. president’s daughter comes back home

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🗞️ 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

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