Mount Vernon is one of the best documented historic houses in America. The Association's library and special collections provide a continuous history of the Mount Vernon estate and its owners from the original land patent in 1674 up to the present day. The primary focus is on George Washington's tenure at Mount Vernon during the mid-to late-eighteenth century. The library and special collections are the basis for the restoration and interpretation of George Washington's home and plantation.

Vaughan plan and journal

The library collection includes printed materials such as books, newspapers, pamphlets, and serials. The special collections include manuscripts, maps, photographs, and the Association's archives. The manuscripts collection provides a continuous history of the Mount Vernon estate and its owners from the original land patent in 1674 up to the present day. The archives document the founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, the earliest national preservation organization and the oldest women's patriotic society in America.

This non-circulating collection is available to visiting scholars by appointment, Monday through Friday, with the Librarian or Library Assistant.

To explore the Top Treasures of the Mount Vernon collection, please click here.