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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Preservation Projects

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1:51

Mansion Revitalization: 2023-2026

2,603 views 3 months ago
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22:49

The Women Who Saved Mount Vernon

175,949 views 8 years ago
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7:42

Digging up history: Archaeological Collection Tour

4,194 views 2 years ago
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3:43

Graffiti found at George Washington's Home

1,613 views 8 years ago
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7:10

How do we take care of George Washington's Tomb?

7,946 views 2 years ago
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2:47

Restoring Nelly Custis's Bedchamber at Mount Vernon

12,776 views 8 years ago
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4:00

A Look Inside the Chintz Room at Mount Vernon

18,037 views 7 years ago
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2:23

The Chintz Room Crib at Mount Vernon

5,920 views 7 years ago
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2:57

230 YEAR OLD TREE FALLS

6,284 views 4 years ago
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6:04

The Architecture of Mount Vernon

14,261 views 8 years ago
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1:23

The Cupola

23,797 views 8 years ago
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1:24

The West Front of the Mount Vernon Mansion

22,398 views 8 years ago
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1:36

The Mansion Cellar

6,669 views 8 years ago
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1:51

The Lafayette Bedroom

3,661 views 8 years ago
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2:01

The Greenhouse

1,150 views 8 years ago
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1:06

The East Front of the Mount Vernon Mansion

4,722 views 8 years ago
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2:40

Nelly Custis Room

1,039 views 8 years ago
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2:09

Nelly Custis' Crib

421 views 8 years ago
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2:16

Nelly Custis Bedchamber Restoration

392 views 8 years ago
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2:57

Nelly Custis and her Mount Vernon Bedchamber

524 views 8 years ago
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0:30

The bricks used in George Washington's Tomb #shorts

19,841 views 2 years ago
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1:05

The Little Parlor

4,164 views 8 years ago

Mount Vernon's Architecture

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

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