Mount Vernon Blog

Christmas with the Washingtons

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

As it does every year, Mount Vernon’s team has brought some wintertime changes to the Mansion to mark the holiday season. Christmas was primarily a religious holiday in 18th-century Virginia, but then, as now, it was also a festive occasion marked by visits between friends and relatives, parties, and public assemblies. The Washingtons' holiday season…

Archaeology Rediscovers the “Old Necessary”

Monday, September 30, 2019

Mount Vernon archaeologists have relocated a Washington-era building while conducting an archaeological survey on the east lawn. In late May 1796, George Washington wrote from the presidential residence in Philadelphia to his farm manager at Mount Vernon, “I have several times spoke concerning a necessary for the Quarter People, at Mansion house . …

By: Robbie Marsden Interacting with Washington’s OWN words from his OWN pen on his OWN property brought primary sources alive for me, and has now allowed me to bring them alive for my students. Looking back, prior to attending the George Washington Teacher Institute Residential Program (GWTI) at Mount Vernon, I had no idea how to teach primary sources…

Dove of Peace Weathervane Restoration

Thursday, August 08, 2019

With the installation of the scaffolding on the cupola, Collections Conservator Linda Landry had the opportunity to examine the condition of the replica Dove of Peace weathervane. She determined that there was a considerable amount of rust and corrosion on the piece, particularly in areas where copper and iron meet. In a short amount of time, she put…

West Front Carpentry Work

Monday, July 08, 2019

Paint removal of the west front of the Mansion was completed on June 7. Since then, our team of preservation carpenters has been hard at work completing wood repairs on the top levels of the scaffolding. Luckily, the siding is in good condition, thanks in part to the sand-painted coating that has provided protection over the years. At the same time…

George Washington's Dream Day

Friday, July 05, 2019

Have you ever wondered how George Washington would spend his dream day? Would he sleep in? Or maybe spending the afternoon reading on his piazza? An article from The Washington Post by Rachel Podnar asks the General how he would spend his day.  "There is no place that I have ever wanted to be throughout the entirety of my adult life, rather than sitting…

"50 Years of Love"

Friday, June 28, 2019

Visit George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill between July 3-10 and snap a picture with the "LOVEwork" sign, part of the Virginia is for Lovers Campain. The Distillery & Gristmill is included with Mount Vernon admission, or you can purchase a Distillery & Gristmill pass on-site for just $6. Tickets Watch the mighty gears turning and the stones…

Summer Changes in the Mansion

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

To celebrate the start of summer, the collections staff made some changes to the Mansion. The scenarios in the New Room, Dining Room, Washington Bedchamber, Butler’s Pantry, Kitchen, and Greenhouse Slave Quarters reveal this seasonal change. New Room A striking addition to the New Room remains “Nelly’s New Harpsichord.” This replica of the original…

A Teacher’s Perspective: Teaching Place with Mount Vernon

Friday, June 14, 2019

During the summer of 2018, I was fortunate to visit Mount Vernon for the first time as part of the George Washington Teacher Institute Residential Program (GWTI), a professional development program for teachers around the country. During our time at the estate, my fellow GWTI participants and I were immersed in lectures, discussions, and tours that…

A Teacher’s Perspective: Martha Washington

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

by Kim Greer My experiences with Mount Vernon as a teaching resource began in 2005 when I first led a group of middle school students on an educational trip to Washington D.C. We visited Washington’s home and were fascinated by life there. I continue to visit Mount Vernon every other year with students, but as their online resources have grown, so…