2009

National Treasure Walking Tour

Through October 31

9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

An hour-long walking tour takes visitors behind the scenes to areas of the Estate where filming took place for “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets.”  $5.00 per person in addition to admission.

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

Open through October 31, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Every first weekend of the month, visitors will get the opportunity to see millers work the automated milling system, an intricate system of pulleys and levers which creates cornmeal out of corn.  

Tickets to the Gristmill are available at Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center or at the Gristmill Shop, and may be combined with admission to the Estate for an additional $2.00 for adults and $1.50 for youth ages 6-11.  Tickets for the Gristmill only are $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for youth ages 6-11.  The Gristmill is 3 miles from the Estate’s Main Gate on Route 235 South.  Free parking is available at the site.

Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise

Through November 1

Mount Vernon Wharf

Enjoy a forty-minute sightseeing excursion and waterside view of Mount Vernon.  Several excursions offered daily (excluding Mondays).  Cruise tickets may be purchased at Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center or aboard the boat.

Adults: $9.00
Youth ages 6 to 11: $5.00
Children 5 and under: FREE

George Washington & His Generals

Co-Sponsored by Mount Vernon and The Society of The Cincinnati

Through January 10, 2010

F. M. Kirby Foundation Gallery in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum

Over 120 paintings, prints, personal artifacts, and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies are featured in this temporary exhibition in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum.  These objects – drawn from the collections of Mount Vernon, The Society, and almost 40 of the nation’s foremost fine arts museums, historical societies, and private collections – offer an unprecedented look at Washington’s leadership and character as commander-in-chief by bringing to life the relationships that formed between him and his generals as they fought for our nation’s freedom.

SEPTEMBER

Members-Only Presale for Fall Wine Festival

Thursday, August 27 through Monday, August 31

The Pre-Sale has concluded, but tickets for public admission went on sale September 1 at the Ford Orientation Center or at www.MountVernon.org/onlinetickets.

The Neighborhood Friends Family Night Picnic

September 13, 6:30 p.m.

Invitations have been mailed to qualified members.  This popular event is a benefit of membership in the Neighborhood Friends of Mount Vernon.  This event has reached capacity admission and is SOLD OUT.

18th-Century Craft Fair

September 19 and 20, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Immerse yourself in a bustling early-American marketplace where 40 costumed artisans demonstrate their crafts and sell their wares.  Nearby, entertainers showcase 18th-century amusements, some of daring and magnificent feats!  After an afternoon of avoiding Silas the Rat Catcher, escape on a FREE sightseeing cruise, compliments of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company (while space is available).  

The Gay Hart Gaines Lecture Series

(first in a series of three lectures)

September 22, 7:00 p.m.

Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

George Washington: From Virginian to American.  In this lecture Ken Jowitt, Ph.D., The Gay Hart Gaines Distinguished Fellow of American History, explains that the greatest opposition to a unified American republic emanated from Virginia.  Through a combination of factors including luck, Virginia’s greatest son, George Washington, emerged and led not only Virginia, but all thirteen colonies toward nationhood and thus became the “father” of a united America. 

The lecture will be followed by a reception featuring Martha’s special recipe for Rum Punch.  Invitations have been mailed to qualified members.  This event is SOLD OUT.

Slave Commemoration Ceremony

September 26, 11:00 a.m.

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association joins Black Women United for Action to commemorate the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon with a program and wreath laying ceremony at the Slave Memorial.  This year’s public event features dramatic readings, African drumming, and uplifting music in recognition of the slaves’ sacrifices and contributions to the early formation of this nation.

OCTOBER

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

October 2, 3, and 4, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Join us for an extraordinary evening of wine, live blues music, candlelit tours of the Mansion, and a visit with hosts “George and Martha Washington.”  Sample offerings from 17 Virginia wineries, and stretch out on the lawn overlooking the Potomac River.  Tickets were available through a members-only pre-sale August 27 through August 31.  On September 1, tickets became available to the general public at the Ford Orientation Center or at www.MountVernon.org/onlinetickets.

Fall Harvest Family Days

October 17 and 18, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The four-acre George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site celebrates the harvest season with horse-drawn wagon rides, a straw bale maze, an opportunity to meet “General Washington,” and the chance to learn how to dance 18th-century-style!  Plus outdoor cooking demonstrations and concessions.  Cruises are half-price, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company.

The Gay Hart Gaines Lecture Series

(second in a series of three lectures)

October 20, 7:00 p.m.

Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Washington, D.C., New Capital, New Identity.  Ken Jowitt, Ph.D., The Gay Hart Gaines Distinguished Fellow of American History, explains that the new capital of our nation represented George Washington’s deliberate plan to confront and subordinate regional identities and the threat they posed to a yet fragile national identity.  The position of the new city was distant from existing power centers and embodied his effort to consolidate the new American nation.

The lecture will be followed by a reception featuring Washington’s favorite libation, Madeira.  Invitations have been mailed to qualified members.  This event is SOLD OUT.

Members-Only Presale for Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30

Pre-Sale invitations and instructions will be mailed to qualified members.

“Mrs. Washington” hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies.  The tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters from the Washingtons’ world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon.  The only time of the year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours, Mount Vernon’s modern buildings feature merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9:00 p.m.  $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for youth.  Tickets will be available to the general public beginning November 1 at the Ford Orientation Center or at www.Visit.MountVernon.org.

NOVEMBER

The George Washington Symposium: Happiness or Misery, Love and Marriage in the Age of Washington

November 6 through 7

In honor of the 250^th Anniversary of the marriage of George and Martha Washington, this year’s installment of the George Washington Symposium focuses on romance, love, marriage, and the myriad of relationships that existed between couples in the Founding Era.

Accomplished historians including Richard Brookhiser; Karin Wulf, Ph.D.; Patricia Brady; Edith Gelles; and musicians Ginger Hildebrand, MM and David Hildebrand, Ph.D; will not only investigate the convivial bliss of George and Martha Washington, John and Abigail Adams, and James and Dolley Madison – but they will also examine the complicated relationship amongst slave families and with their masters, 18th-century courtship and marriage customs, and some of the era’s most riveting scandals. 

This is a members-only program.  Invitations have been mailed to qualified members.  Space is limited – please respond early.

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans

Wednesday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

FREE admission for active duty, former, and retired military personnel!  A FREE community concert by an all-veteran barbershop chorus, singing traditional tunes and a military medley, takes place at 11 a.m. in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium.

Mount Vernon in Gingerbread

Friday, November 13 through Wednesday, November 25

Former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier creates Mount Vernon in gingerbread in the lobby of the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.  Chef Mesnier’s completed work – a “must-see” – will be on display throughout Christmas at Mount Vernon.

The Gay Hart Gaines Lecture Series

(third in a series of three lectures)

November 17, 7:00 p.m.

Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Washington as Visionary: The Architect of Republican Government.  Ken Jowitt, Ph.D., The Gay Hart Gaines Distinguished Fellow of American History, explains that Washington consolidated the necessary political power to create a new nation, in such a way that respected the democratic imperative of extending power to an inclusive American citizenry.  Transferring his personal charisma to the American Republic, rather than limiting it to himself, a party, or a religion was the greatest manifestation of his republican genius and commitment.

The lecture will be followed by a reception featuring Mount Vernon Wines.  Invitations have been mailed to qualified members.  This event is SOLD OUT. 

Christmas at Mount Vernon

November 27 through January 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

We’re joyfully decking the halls for Christmas at Mount Vernon, a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Exciting elements include a dozen themed Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas 1787!

The popular tradition continues of opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming “Mrs. Washington.”  Schedules may vary for dancing and “Mrs. Washington.”

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

November 27 through 29, December 4 through 6, December 11 through 13,

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

“Mrs. Washington” hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies.  The tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters from the Washingtons’ world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon.

“Mount Vernon by Candlelight” is the only time of year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours.  Mount Vernon’s modern buildings include merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9:00 p.m.  $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for youth.

Members-only pre-sale Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30.  Invitations will be mailed to qualified members.  Tickets will be available to the general public beginning November 1 at the Ford Orientation Center or at www.Visit.MountVernon.org.