For Immediate Release
June 13, 2007
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon welcomes the beginning of fall with a September full of special events. An old-fashioned 18th-Century Craft Fair, massive Revolutionary War Encampment with 1,000 soldiers, historic visit from Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed, and special milling demonstrations at George Washington’s Gristmill promise to educate and entertain, while a meaningful Slave Commemoration Ceremony will inspire. The creator of the wildly popular Byers’ Choice Carolers makes a rare public appearance to sign her collectibles (no admission fee). All other events are included with regular admission to Mount Vernon: $13 for adults, $6 for youth ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day in September.
Automated Milling (September 1-2 and 15-16): At George Washington’s Gristmill September 1-2 and September 15-16, millers will work the automated milling system, an intricate system of pullies and levers that won U.S. Patent #3. Watch as water from Dogue Creek goes through the Gristmill, setting the massive gears into motion, and see the end result: cornmeal ready to use! Bags of cornmeal are milled onsite and sold for $5. Admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the Estate on Route 235, is $4 for adults, $2 for youth, and free for children under 5.
Byers’ Choice Signing (September 9): Joyce Byers, creator of the popular Byers’ Choice Carolers, makes a rare public appearance to sign her collectibles at The Shops at Mount Vernon on September 9. The signing begins at 4:00 p.m., and the first 500 customers are guaranteed to have their Carolers autographed. Byers’ Choice items must be purchased from The Shops at Mount Vernon. To commemorate the George and Martha Washington Carolers, “General Washington” and “Mrs. Washington” will greet visitors in the Robert H. Smith auditorium. There is no charge to shop at the Gift Shops.
The 18th-Century Craft Fair (September 15-16): The 18th-Century Craft Fair brings dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun to Mount Vernon on September 15 and 16! Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings, furniture, and much more. The event also features lively 18th-century entertainment including fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, rat-catchers and gypsies, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite. This weekend only, Potomac River sightseeing cruises are free-of-charge at Mount Vernon's wharf. Event is included with Estate admission.
The Godspeed (September 20-22): The Godspeed visits Mount Vernon September 21 and 22 from its home port at Jamestown Settlement as part of the 400th anniversary year of the founding of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony. The 88-foot re-creation presents the story of the voyage from England with demonstrations of 17th-century piloting and navigation. Included with Estate admission.
Slave Commemoration Ceremony (September 22): Black Women United for Action joins the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association to commemorate the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon. On September 22 at 11:00 a.m., a wreathlaying ceremony and musical presentation takes place at the Slave Memorial, along with dramatic readings and uplifting music to remember and recognize the slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions to the formation of this nation. Included with Estate admission.
Revolutionary War Encampment (September 29-30): One thousand Revolutionary War re-enactors from across the nation come to Mount Vernon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Continental Line, an educational organization of re-created Army units. Soldiers camp in authentic tents, prepare meals, and demonstrate the drills and maneuvers used by General Washington's army. Musket and artillery demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and a variety of living history activities are featured throughout the weekend, September 29-30. Included with Estate admission.
George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site (Friday - Sunday): Costumed staff lead horses around George Washington’s 16-sided barn to demonstrate the innovative wheat-treading process daily at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Visitors can see firsthand how the barn Washington created separates grain from straw. Included with Estate admission.
Tours of slave life and the gardens (daily through September) enrich the visitor experience by providing in-depth knowledge of these fascinating subjects during 30-minute guided walking tours. Slave Life at Mount Vernon explores the lives and contributions of the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon, daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. The Garden and Landscape Tour highlights Washington’s creative design for his gardens at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Included with Estate admission.
Potomac River sightseeing cruises offer a refreshing opportunity to explore Mount Vernon from a different view with a 40-minute narrated excursion aboard the Spirit of Washington II or Miss Christin Tuesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets for sightseeing cruises are $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children (6-11) in addition to Estate admission. Children ages 5 and under are free.
Tribute at the Tomb (daily in September): A public wreathlaying commemorates the lives of George and Martha Washington daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A historic interpreter reads “Washington's Prayer for His Country” and leads visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance. Included with Estate admission.
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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.
