Experience 18^th-century plantation life at Mount Vernon!

•  Observe costumed workers demonstrate spinning, basket making, woodworking, weaving, candle making, soldiering, and more!
• Learn about farming and slave life at George Washington's Pioneer Farm and outlying slave cabin.
• See horses, mules, sheep, and oxen- and learn the important role animals played at Mount Vernon in the 18th-century.
• Play colonial games!
• Visit with costumed historical characters who will answer your questions about George Washington, his family, friends, and life in the 18th-century!
• Participate in a special ceremony at George Washington's tomb.
• All teachers who attend Colonial Days this year will receive a beautiful wall hook handcrafted by Mount Vernon's own blacksmith!
• Bottle feed our baby cows!  Students are encouraged to write a one-paragraph letter to George Washington the Farmer and win the chance, during their Colonial Days visit, to bottle-feed one of our Red Devon calves (October/November session only).  One student a day will be selected.  E-mail letters to education@mountvernon.org and include the name of the student, the date of your Colonial Days visit, and your scheduled time of arrival.  The teachers of the selected students will be notified by e-mail a minimum of two days prior to your Colonial Days visit.

Colonial Days this school year is October 20- November 13, 2009 and February 17- March 12, 2010.  Colonial Days is from 9:30 am- 1:00 pm, Tuesday- Friday.  This program has no fee except Regular Student Admission, but reservations must be made using our Online Reservations Form.  A Colonial Days Pre-visit Packet and Mount Vernon Pre-visit Booklet will be mailed to you upon completion of your reservation. 

Schools that register this fall for Colonial Days will be eligible for:

• Meet History Face to Face!  Any school that brings more than 175 students to the program can register for a free Face to Face video conference.  This interactive half-hour program allows your students to learn history first-hand from Mount Vernon’s character interpreters and storytellers.

• George Washington Portrait Assemblies!  Order your free George Washington portrait and register for the opportunity for a presentation at your school in January 2010.  (presentations available on limited schedule; registrations on first come basis).  For information on ordering the portrait, please visit our Portraits webpage. 

Title One Schools at Colonial Days

Mount Vernon announces reduced fees for Title One Schools visiting George Washington’s home for the Colonial Days at the Farm program. During the 2009 – 2010 school year, Title One schools will receive a reduced rate of $4.00 per student and required chaperones.  Teachers will receive free admission for the program.  Mount Vernon provides a $50.00 grant for each bus from qualified Title One public schools, through the generous support of the Mars Family Foundation.  Please bring the completed Title One Bus Grant Form to the Colonial Days check in desk upon your arrival at Mount Vernon. The grant will be mailed to your school principal approximately two weeks after the conclusion of Colonial Days.

 Mount Vernon Goodie Bags

Goodie bags can be purchased for $3.00 (tax included), which contain:

• A postcard of the Mansion
• Trading cards of major events in General Washington's life
• A logo pencil
• An educational activity sheet
• An exciting button, magnet, or ornament

Please place an order by submitting the Online Reservations Form, or by calling our Group Sales office, 703-799- 8688. Goodie Bag orders must be placed at least two days in advance. Bags will be picked up as you exit the Education Center at the end of your visit.

Colonial Days Lunch Specials

Guests are offered a $4.00 lunch box including:

• Chicken tenders
• French fries
• Jello cup
• 12 oz. fountain drink

Please place an order by submitting the Online Reservations Form, or by calling our Group Sales office, 703-799- 8688. Lunch special orders must be placed at least two days in advance. Guests must purchase food in order to use our dining facilities.  Local Picnic Areas are also available nearby if guests pack lunches.

 For questions, please email Education@mountvernon.org.