For Immediate Release
September 15, 2005
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Martha Washington hosts an 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and festive décor during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Visitors will be treated as holiday guests of the Washington family who, upon presenting their “letter of introduction,” are greeted by Mrs. Washington in the Mansion’s large dining room. The Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (November 25, 26, & 27; December 2, 3 & 4; and 9, 10 & 11) from 5 – 8 p.m, are the only time during the year that the Estate is open for public evening tours. Starting November 1, tickets may be purchased in advance from Mount Vernon’s Main Gate, or through Ticketmaster at 703-573-SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12.
Martha Washington’s garret chamber, on the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion, will make its debut after new curatorial research transformed this sparse space into an accurate restoration of the elegant room used by the First Lady after her husband’s death. Visitors will also meet Tobias Lear, Washington’s personal secretary, among a cast of friends and family of the famous founding couple. In the kitchen, the final stop on the tour, guests will hear about 18th-century holiday cooking, see Martha Washington’s Great Cake, and be given a complimentary copy of the recipe to try at home.
Following the Mansion tour, guests are invited to stroll candlelit walks, join in fireside caroling, and enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.
The Food Court at Mount Vernon is open during Candlelight Tours for fresh and convenient meals and special holiday treats.
The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, with its early-American fare and colonial servers, offers the perfect complement to the Mount Vernon by Candlelight program. Reservations are suggested for this popular dining experience. Please call 703-780-0011.
The Shops at Mount Vernon are open late during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Twelve themed departments, including The Christmas Corner, abound with a broad selection of unique gift items including holiday ornaments, estate jewelry, and an exceptional selection of gifts for children. The Shops, normally open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, are open until 9:30 p.m. during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. No admission is required to shop.
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