Spring Changes in the Mansion

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Spring Changes in the Mansion

The Collections staff recently made changes to some of the rooms in the Mansion to celebrate the arrival of spring. As we know, the Washingtons welcomed numerous guests to Mount Vernon. George Washington sheds light on this fact in a letter to his mother, Mary Ball Washington, where he likens his home to a “well resorted tavern.” The Washingtons and…


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Season of Lambs

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Season of Lambs

The month of March has again brought adorable additions to the estate: baby sheep. The annual "lambing" began on February 27 when the first new additions were born. Twenty ewes were pregnant this year, and as of March 20, we have 23 lambs.  Mount Vernon raises Hog Island sheep, a rare breed that is native to Virginia and dates back to the 1600s. Learn…


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Spring Snow at Mount Vernon

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Spring Snow at Mount Vernon

Snowfall creates a picturesque landscape at Mount Vernon, and unique challenges. Although the estate closed during this snowfall due to inclement weather, many Mount Vernon staff members—including Vice President of Operations & Maintenance Joe Sliger and his team—still went to work to keep the estate, its staff, and future visitors safe. More than…


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Wind Tears Down George Washington's Tree

Wednesday, March 07, 2018

Wind Tears Down George Washington's Tree

On March 2, a severe nor’easter brought strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic, relentlessly bombarding power lines and property throughout the region. The estate lost power for more than 36 hours and closed its doors the day of the storm. The wind storm struck down two historic trees on the estate, a circa 1791 Canadian hemlock and a 100-year-old Virginia…


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Working in all Weather

Friday, February 23, 2018

Working in all Weather

by Mary V. Thompson Since the Christmas holidays, the weather here at Mount Vernon has been something of a roller coaster, with days and weeks in the low double digits and other days when the sun is shining and the temperature may reach 70 degrees. We’ve had some snow, but not enough for a real “snow day." Some of you might be wondering if the enslaved…


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The Legacy of Wreath Making at Washington's Tomb

Monday, February 19, 2018

The Legacy of Wreath Making at Washington's Tomb

Every year on George Washington's birthday, Mount Vernon welcomes visitors to Washington's Tomb for a presidential tribute. This special ceremony includes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Washington's prayer for his country, and the placement of a boxwood wreath. Boxwood was a significant plant in the 18th century. Washington planted it in the upper…


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French Hound Farces

Friday, February 16, 2018

French Hound Farces

George Washington's love of dogs and foxhunting is well documented. However, some of Washington's dogs did not share his inclination for the sport. In May 1785, the Marquis de Lafayette wrote to Washington that he has a gift from a gentleman from Normandy: seven French Hounds, likely the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (left). Martha Washington's grandson,…


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Exploring the Newburgh Conspiracy

Monday, February 12, 2018

Exploring the Newburgh Conspiracy

by Jessie MacLeod, Associate Curator The curatorial team recently installed a new display in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, featuring two objects related to the Newburgh Conspiracy, one scenario featured in the recently-opened Be Washington interactive experience. Near the end of the Revolutionary War, a group of military officers…


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