Mount Vernon Blog

The Bastille Key Case Conservation

Friday, July 13, 2018

The Marquis de Lafayette gifted the Bastille Key to George Washington in 1790. The key was showcased in Philadelphia before moving to Mount Vernon, where it hung in the central passage for generations of Washingtons. While the Mansion was closed and the central passage was painted, the key and its original case were removed. Mount Vernon's curatorial…

A Magnificent Dream at Mount Vernon

Monday, July 09, 2018

Forty years ago, Chef Patrick O'Connell founded the Inn at Little Washington, located approximately 70 miles west of Mount Vernon. At age 17, according to local lore, a young George Washington surveyed the village of Little Washington, named its streets and danced in a ballroom now owned by the Inn. He has been a strong influence on O'Connell's vision…

Gift Guide for Father's Day

Monday, June 11, 2018

Need a gift for dad? Check out these Father's Day gifts inspired by the Father of Our Country.

Alexander Hamilton: Washington's Military Family

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

By Joseph Stoltz, digital historian Thanks to the hit play Hamilton: An American Musical, we know that Alexander Hamilton was George Washington’s “right hand man,” but what did Hamilton actually do? You, dear reader, proudly announce, “Hamilton was Washington’s aide-de-camp!” Bravo! But what is it that an aide actually does? Now you may be starting…

"Mrs. Washington" on Martha's Summer Activites

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

by Elizabeth Keaney Portraying young Martha Washington during the last four weeks has given me incredible insight into life of the mistress of Mount Vernon. While researching for this role, I was curious how she celebrated her birthday on June 2. While my search for information was unsuccessful, I was able to construct a schedule for how she spent…

Dairies at Mount Vernon

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Mount Vernon's Pioneer Farm is bustling with activity at this time of year. Beginning June 2, the historic trades interpreters will demonstrate how to create dairy products with 18th-century methods. While the team uses store-bought milk and cream in these demonstrations, Washington would have used milk from his cattle to make cheese, butter, and ice…

By Jenifer Bazzit I’m going to be very honest, teaching about slavery is heart-wrenching, but I’m sure you already know that. I like to study history, and I love to learn about the legendary events and larger-than-life people that we all love to discuss. But sometimes I come across topics that are difficult to swallow. Does that mean I should ignore…

Luke Pecoraro Named to "40 under 40: People Saving Places" List

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Mount Vernon’s Director of Archaeology Luke Pecoraro was recently named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 40 under 40: People Saving Places list. This list honors professionals who expand our nation’s view of what it means to save places and tell America’s full history. Through his work at Mount Vernon, Luke educates visitors about archaeology…

President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Dr. Doug Bradburn recently appeared on the podcast Ben Franklin’s World. Bradburn discussed George Washington, Mount Vernon, and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. He begins by explaining how the Washington family came to own Mount Vernon and how the estate was structured. Bradburn then illuminates…

Behind the Lines with a Revolutionary War Reenactor

Thursday, May 03, 2018

Marshall Smith has been a reenactor with the First Virginia Regiment for decades. He answered a few questions about his experiences: Who do you portray? I am an infantry officer, a captain in the First Virginia Regiment. How did you get involved with reenacting? I came across a magazine in the early 1980s called Living History. They had an article…