For Immediate Release

December 9, 2008  

Media Contact:

Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203

mwood@mountvernon.org

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Artist Arnold Friberg’s “The Prayer at Valley Forge” painting depicting General Washington kneeling in prayer during the critical winter months at Valley Forge is on display through January 23, 2009 in Historic Mount Vernon’s Donald W. Reynolds building lobby. Friberg spent two years creating the lifelike painting, which included the artist traveling to Valley Forge during winter. In addition to experiencing Valley Forge, Friberg spent countless hours researching Washington through museums, libraries and individuals to create a painting that captures the essence of a private moment during a crucial time in this country’s history. The painting was created to commemorate the United States’ bicentennial celebration in 1776. Access to the Donald W. Reynolds building is included in regular 2008 Estate admission: adults, $13.00; children ages 6-11, $6.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.  

This painting is part of a new daytime program, “Christmas at Mount Vernon” that includes a dozen themed Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon created by former White House pastry chef Ronald Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas 1787!

About Valley Forge

As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Washington moved his headquarters to Valley Forge in December 1777 and stayed there until June 19, 1778. This was a time of great hardship for the Continental Army, with food, clothing, and ammunition in short supply. Located on the Schuylkill River about twenty miles northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the British were headquartered, Valley Forge was Washington's choice for a winter training encampment because he thought that it would be difficult for the British to make a surprise attack there and because it was within a day's horseback ride of both York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the Continental Congress and the Pennsylvania legislature had fled.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.