For Immediate Release
October 6, 2008
Public Information Contact:
(703) 780-2000
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
\MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Historic Mount Vernon welcomes all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire Club members (in uniform or wearing an official pin) to FREE admission during its Scouting Days program beginning November 1, 2008 through February 15, 2009. On Saturday, November 1, Mount Vernon kicks off the Scouting Days program with special activities for scouts from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scouts have an opportunity to help earn merit badges through projects and stations set up with professional surveyors, Mount Vernon archaeologists, woodworking projects, and cooking demonstrations. In addition to these activities, scouts are encouraged to make their own wreath to lay at the tomb of George Washington. For more information please visit www.MountVernon.org
Scouts can earn their merit badges through a variety of activities on November 1:
Surveying: Join professional surveyors and civil engineers from around the Washington, DC, area as they demonstrate and teach basic skills in the science of land surveying, compass surveying, distance measurement with a chain, distance measurement with steel tape and plumb bob, electronic measurements, topographic surveying, GPS and robotic instrument demonstrations, and a discussion on the role of a modern land surveyor.
Archaeology: Visit our Archaeology and Restoration Museum to participate in hands-on activities exploring the role of archaeology at Mount Vernon. Search the estate using the 1787 Vaughan Plan to determine which structures are original and what areas might contain archaeological remains.
Woodworking: Mount Vernon carpenters will demonstrate techniques used in the preservation and restoration of historic homes.
Cooking: Mount Vernon’s Foodways interpreters will demonstrate 18th-century cooking over an open fire at the slave cabin on the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site.
Animal husbandry and agriculture: Mount Vernon’s livestock and trades staff will offer demonstrations with our rare breed animals at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site.
First Person Interpretation: Scouts are invited to visit the Greenhouse Theater to watch dramatic first person programs that reveal Washington through the eyes of his contemporaries.
Mansion: Tours of the Mansion will focus on Washington’s fundamental role in the founding of our nation and on the concepts of civic responsibility.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org
