Mission Statement

• The mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is to preserve, restore and manage the estate of George Washington to the highest standards and to educate visitors and people throughout the world about the life and legacies of George Washington, so that his example of character and leadership will continue to inform and inspire future generations.

Endowment

• Approximately $40 million.

Budget

• The operating budget is approximately $20 million annually. The total budget, including major capital projects, is approximately $25 million.

Support and Revenue

• Approximate annual figures: Admission fees, $7 million; Food sales, $4 million; Product sales, $7 million; Contributions, $5 million; Endowment income, $1.6 million.

Financial Sources

• No tax dollars are expended to support Mount Vernon. The Association does not accept grants from the federal, state or local governments. Mount Vernon is supported through the generosity of patriotic individuals, foundations and corporations, together with income from gate receipts and gift shop and restaurant revenue.

Contributions

• Mount Vernon has more than 100,000 donors and received $15.6 million in cash and in-kind contributions in 2004. The George Washington: To Keep Him First Capital Campaign is a national education initiative created in 1999 to add new facilities, develop educational outreach programs, and increase Mount Vernon’s endowment. The Annual Fund provides operating support for Mount Vernon’s education and preservation needs.

Membership

• The Friends of Mount Vernon includes 5,000 donors from all 50 states. The Friends receive benefits for their membership and fall into three categories: Friends from outside of the region; the Capital Friends; and Neighborhood Friends. This latter group consists of 1,200 contributors who reside on land that was once part of George Washington’s original five farms.

Staff

• 483 full- and part-time staff.

Volunteers

• 430 volunteers contribute approximately 21,000 hours annually.

Visitation

• Annual visitation averages 1 million people, with total visitation approaching 80 million.

Estate

• size 500 acres; 50 acres are open to the public. Mount Vernon consisted of 8,000 acres during George Washington’s lifetime. Gardens comprise over six acres, and the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site encompasses four acres.

Affiliated Groups

• The Mount Vernon Advisory Committee; Friends of the Collection; The Life Guard of Historic Mount Vernon; and The Founders, Washington Committee for Historic Mount Vernon.

Public Hours

• Open every day of the year. April – August, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; March, September, and October, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; November – February, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission

• 2006 admission: $13 adults; $12.00 seniors 62 and older; $6.00 children 6-11; free for children 5 and under.

Visitor Amenities

• Mount Vernon Inn, open daily for lunch (except Christmas Day) from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Food Court at Mount Vernon offering breakfast, lunch, and snacks is open daily with some seasonal closings. The Shops at Mount Vernon are open daily and feature a broad selection of unique gifts and the largest George Washington bookstore in the country.

Public Information

• Main: 703-780-2000. Group Tours Office: 703-799-8688; 800-429-1520. Mount Vernon Inn: 703-780-0011. Website: www.mountvernon.org. Mount Vernon is located at the south end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.