For Immediate Release March 18, 2005

Contact: Melissa Wood  703.799.5203

mwood@mountvernon.org

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Experience life as a farmer, stroll the gardens, discover the contributions of slaves, observe an 18th-century Gristmill and participate in a tribute to George Washington at his tomb during new hours starting April 1 at historic Mount Vernon. The Estate is one of the few attractions in the Washington, DC area that opens early, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day through the end of August.

Gristmill Returns to the Grind

 George Washington’s Gristmill, one of the most authentic recreations of an 18th-century mill in the country, opens April 1 for tours given by costumed millers. Visitors to the Gristmill can learn about the entrepreneurial spirit of Washington’s agricultural businesses and are able to observe every step of the process that was required to transform seed to bread in the 18th century. The Gristmill will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“George Washington: Pioneer Farmer” Site Opens

The George Washington Pioneer Farmer site, opening April 1, lets the entire family experience 18th- century farm life by cracking corn, tasting a hoecake, visiting animals and touring the 16-sided barn that Washington designed.

Special Theme Tours

Visitors can also take part in a 30-minute guided walking tour that highlights the lives and contributions of the African-Americans who built and operated the plantation home of George and Martha Washington. The Slave Life Tours take place at 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Garden & Landscape tours are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. It is a little-known fact that our first president had a green thumb. Come see the fruits of his labor in a walking tour that highlights his creative design for his gardens.

All visitors are invited to participate in a public wreathlaying to commemorate the lives of George and Martha Washington. This interactive ceremony includes “Washington's Prayer for His Country,” and takes place at 10 a.m. daily.

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 Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, open to the public since 1858, communicates the character and leadership of Washington to millions of Americans each year through a variety of interpretive programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation. Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, founded in 1853, making it America’s oldest national preservation organization. Mount Vernon is located at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just 16 miles from Washington, D.C. Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $11.00; senior citizens, $10.50; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $5.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the preservation and interpretation of Mount Vernon.