For Immediate Release
June 29, 2007
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – George Washington’s farm is in peak season starting July 4, when horses and mules are put to work in Mount Vernon’s 16-sided barn for wheat-treading demonstrations. Invented by Washington, the two-story barn allows visitors to be surrounded by horses marching over wheat in a process called “treading out” the grain. Demonstrations at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site occur daily at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Visitors can also learn about farm life in the 18th century and see heritage breed animals such as sheep, oxen and pigs. Admission to Mount Vernon is $13 for adults, $6 for youth ages 6-11, and free for children under five.
Also in July…
At George Washington’s Distillery, costumed distillers demonstrate the 18th-century process of making whiskey. The Distillery also includes a museum on spirits in America. Next door, millers manage the Gristmill’s water wheel and massive gears to grind corn into meal, which is available for purchase. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill are located just three miles south of Mount Vernon on State Route 235. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under.
Tours of slave life and gardens and landscapes 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. Tours are offered 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. daily. Included with Estate admission.
Potomac River sightseeing cruises offer a refreshing opportunity to see 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. Tickets for children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
A Tribute at the Tomb commemorates the lives of George and Martha Washington takes place 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.
