Hello everyone,

Many of you know that there are pictures posted on various websites that are supposed to be of Garrett Vansweringen and his wife barbara. I know that there were a few people who posted their concerns about the authenticity of the pictures.

I was recently in St. Mary's City and posed the question to Dr. Martin Sullivan, project director for the Vansweringen exhibit. He stated words to the effect that "we don't think it's authentic, the dress portrayed in the portrait is out of date by about one hudred years or so."

If anyone out there can offer up an opinion as to the authenticity or origin of the pictures, I for one would be very interested. It's been said that the portraits are from Swearingen descendants living in St. Louis.