For Immediate Release
November 19, 2004

Contact: Emily Coleman
703-799-8607
ecoleman@mountvernon.org

In an unprecedented move, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, caretakers of MOUNT VERNON, the home of George and Martha Washington announces the signing of a licensing agreement with its first ever casual furniture company, Durham Furniture Inc. MOUNT VERNON, the most visited historic house in America, and Durham Furniture Inc. will embark on designing a creative casual furniture collection. The two organizations will partner in developing a collection of casual furniture inspired by the home and life of George Washington and his family.

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association was founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham and set out to preserve MOUNT VERNON as a national shrine. In 1858, Miss Cunningham and her Association were able to purchase the Mansion and 200 surrounding acres for $200,000. Since that time, the Association has devoted itself to restoring and furnishing MOUNT VERNON as it was in 1799, the last year of Washington’s life. The Association, a non-profit organization, operates without financial assistance from state or federal governments, and is funded entirely by admission fees, sales revenues, licensing royalties and donations from patriotic foundations, businesses and individuals. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the MOUNT VERNON collection will be returned to MOUNT VERNON to support the educational and preservation efforts.

“After an extensive search in the marketplace, we have found a quality furniture manufacturer in Durham Furniture Inc. Their reputation for quality and design is a perfect match for MOUNT VERNON’s casual furniture collection,” says Jim Rees, Executive Director of Mount Vernon.

Durham Furniture has been a leading North American producer of solid wood furniture since 1899. Durham’s network of more than 600 retail accounts, throughout the US and Canada, will compose the primary distribution channel for the MOUNT VERNON collection.

The initial offering, to be unveiled in the spring of 2005, will consist of bedroom and home office products. The casual, distressed wood collection will draw inspiration from the architectural elements of the Mansion and grounds of MOUNT VERNON as well as pieces owned by George and Martha Washington and their descendants. “Durham Furniture is honored to be chosen to develop a collection of furniture revolving around George Washington’s life, home and legacy. He was a man of incredible character and vision and I see the MOUNT VERNON collection of furniture as something Durham will continually expand and enrich for years to come,” said John Scarsella, President and CEO of Durham Furniture.

Durham joins other MOUNT VERNON fine home furnishings licensees such as Wildwood Lamps, York Wallcovering, Duron Paints, Hickory Chair and Brunschwig & Fils.