For Immediate Release
June 11, 2007
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – To commemorate the 400th anniversary of Captain John Smith’s extraordinary voyage to explore the Chesapeake Bay, a replica of Smith’s 30-foot “shallop” will retrace the original 1,500-mile route. The boat’s first stop in Northern Virginia is at Historic Mount Vernon’s wharf on June 23 and 24, where visitors can talk to the crew and explore a traveling exhibit about early-American life and the groundbreaking voyage. Included with Estate admission: adults, $13; youth, 6-11 $6; children 5 and under, free. The Estate is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The traveling exhibit gives an in-depth look at the world of the early 17th-century Chesapeake Native American and English cultures. Visitors can view a timeline of Smith’s historic travels, read the original crew’s descriptions of Native Americans, and watch a film about Smith’s groundbreaking voyage. The exhibit also includes an interactive computer component offering visitors a 21st century approach to learning about the 17th century.
The Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project, a multi-year educational effort to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of Smith’s 1,500 mile Chesapeake voyage, is an educational initiative of Sultana Projects, a non-profit organization based in Chestertown, Maryland. On the web at www.SchoonerSultana.org and www.johnsmith400.org.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org
Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. 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, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.
