In the 1850s, Ann Pamela Cunningham and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association began preserving the home of George Washington.

More than 160 years later, the work continues. The restoration of each room in the Mansion and each outbuilding is accomplished through the collaboration of experts in multiple fields, including architectural historians, archaeologists, carpenters, curators, conservators, and collections managers on Mount Vernon’s staff and craftspeople and colleagues from other historic sites.

As new documents and artifacts come to light and technological and analytical tools advance, we continually refine our understanding of Mount Vernon, the Washingtons, and life during the 18th century in order to give visitors accurate and engaging views of the past. 

Restoring Mount Vernon

Restoring Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is one of the best documented and most complete examples of an estate from early America, but discovering, analyzing, and interpreting the mass of available evidence is an ongoing process.

Learn More
Historic Structures

Historic Structures

There are four different types of standing historic structures at Mount Vernon: Original Structures, Reconstructions, Replicas, and MVLA and Period Support Structures. Each of these structures helps tell the story of life at Mount Vernon.

Learn More
Paint Analysis

Paint Analysis

The question of what color to paint each room in the Mansion has been asked since the 1860s. Today we use modern paint analysis to help answer the question.

Learn More

The Restoration Process

Terminology

Terminology

Preservationists use a wide range of terminology in their work. Explore this list of some of their most commonly used terms and tools.

Learn More
Native American Occupation

Native American Occupation

Archaeological investigations show Mount Vernon was an attractive location for Native communities for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the Washington family.

Learn More

Mount Vernon's Architecture

The Architecture Team leads the investigation and restoration of the estate’s physical fabric.

Learn More
Login
Buy Tickets Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
Estate Hours

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

iconDirections & Parking
buy tickets online & save