Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Busy mothers might want to turn to Martha Washington to see how America’s “First Mom” enjoyed mothering – her children and her country! Martha Washington will be at Mount Vernon on Mother’s Day, May 14, to hand out lavender sachets of her own recipe for mothers (while supplies last), take photographs with visitors starting at 10 a.m., and at 3 p.m. she will speak of her responsibilities of being not only a mother and grandmother, but also the Mother of Our Country.

Mrs. Washington, the ultimate matriarch whose impression on Mount Vernon can be seen centuries later, is portrayed by Mary Wiseman. Mrs. Wiseman brings over 30 years of interpretive experience to the role of America’s first First Lady. Recently retired as Artistic Director for Character Interpretation and Manager of Women’s History at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Mrs. Wiseman has appeared at the White House Visitors Center, Constitution Hall, Washington’s Headquarters in Cambridge and Valley Forge, and has now brought her portrayal of Martha Washington ‘home’ to Mount Vernon.

Visitors can also take advantage of spectacular gardens in bloom with Garden & Landscape tours included with admission daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. If you need inspiration for a Mother’s Day present, Mount Vernon’s Gift Shops have everything from gourmet gifts to gardening accessories. The Shops at Mount Vernon are open daily until 6 p.m. There is no cost to shop.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.