Object 79: Mama Rotunda's Outfit

Mary Hall Betts, popularly known as “Mama Rotunda,” served as the University's official hostess for nearly twenty-five years, starting in 1958. On various occasions at the Rotunda she wore this hand-painted muslin dress with the south elevation of the Rotunda on one side and the north-side Jefferson statue on the other. A derby hat, altered to resemble the Rotunda, completed the outfit.

Mama Rotunda Dress and Hat (RG-30/19/1.961), University of Virginia Archives