Q: I read that the deadline for requesting portraits has passed. Can our school still get a portrait? How do we do that?
A: Yes! We're delighted that the program has proven so popular. Therefore, we've extended the deadline and will continue to accept letters from principals for as long as we possibly can. Please follow the instructions on this website to request your portrait.
Q: Our school received the Celebration Kit but not the portrait. Is the portrait lost in the mail?
A: Probably not. The Celebration Kits ship separately from the portraits. In most cases, schools receive the kit before the portrait arrives. If you received a kit, rest assured that your portrait is on its way.
Q: What a great program! How is it funded? Can I help?
A: Thank you! Mount Vernon's education programs, including this portrait initiative, are made possible through our own fundraising efforts and private contributions from patriotic individuals and institutions across the nation. Mount Vernon does not receive or accept government funding of any sort. Your contribution of $275 will make it possible for a school to receive, at no charge, this beautiful portrait and the Celebration Kit. You can make your contribution by mailing it to Portrait in the Schools Project, Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, P.O. Box 240, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. Further information is available in the Support section of our website.
Q: Does the portrait come in a tube or roll, like a poster? What does it look like?
A: The portrait arrives framed in a 2 1/4" gilt-trimmed wooden molding and is therefore packed in a large, flat box, not rolled in a tube. It is not a poster, but a 30"x36" reproduction painting on canvas stretched over an inner wood frame. Please visit our Shops for a more detailed description of this stunning portrait!
Q: How many schools have portraits so far? Which schools? Where are they?
A: So far, about 7,000 schools across the country have requested portraits. You can visit our interactive map to see these schools! This map will be updated as more portraits are mailed out.
Q: What's in the Celebration Kit?
A: Packed and shipped in an attractive, sturdy, four-color storage box, the kit contains an American flag that has been flown over Mount Vernon (certificate of authenticity included) and a colorful binder with elementary-level lessons, activities, and information about Washington and his era. For middle and high schools, there is also a CD-COM containing twelve detailed, cross-curricular lesson plans about Washington; many primary source documents relating to Washington and his times; images of Washington, including other influential portraits; and illustrated biographical information about Washington and his presidency.
Q: We just received the portrait and it's fabulous! How can we thank you?
A: We'd love for you to email photos and notes to us at education@mountvernon.org! Please indicate whether we have permission to publish your photos on our website for educational and promotional purposes.
