Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Historic Mount Vernon, the home of our first commander-in-chief who led American troops to victory in the country’s fight for independence, will celebrate George Washington’s contribution to America’s freedom on July 4th with its annual Red, White & Blue Celebration. The day will feature musical performances, a special wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit by ‘General Washington’ himself. All events are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $13.00; children age 6-11, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE. New this year: from July 1-4, admission to George Washington’s Gristmill is only $1!
At 12:15 p.m., re-enactors from the Fifes and Drums of Prince William III, Maryland Militia, First Virginia Regiment, and the First Regiment of North Carolina will assemble for demonstrations on the Bowling Green, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington, and a cannon volley. Following last year’s popular program, visitors will see a heightened 18th-century military presence and pass through multiple checkpoints on the estate.
Visitors are encouraged to join the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in a procession to George Washington’s Tomb, led by the Fifes and Drums of Prince William III, the Maryland Militia, First Virginia Regiment and the First Regiment of North Carolina at 10:00 a.m. A member of SAR will place a memorial wreath on Washington’s tomb and lead visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance. This marks the 45th anniversary of the chapter’s participation in the Red, White & Blue Celebration at Mount Vernon.
Visitors can enjoy Mount Vernon’s all-American birthday cake (while supplies last) on the Estate’s Bowling Green and the annual Red, White and Blue Concert. The patriotic musical performance will feature the Concert Band of America, an 80-member company of retired musicians from each of the United States Armed Services bands, playing patriotic favorites and American standards.
July has always been a time of celebration at George Washington’s farm as it marks the beginning of the wheat harvest season. To celebrate Washington the farmer, field hands will kick-off the season on Independence Day with wheat-treading demonstrations at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. Costumed staff will lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Visitors can witness Washington’s innovative treading process, learning first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw.
This year, Mount Vernon will be charging a $1 admission fee to George Washington’s Gristmill from July 1-4. George Washington’s Gristmill allows visitors to see an 18th-century water-powered mill in operation, discover how it works and learn how this particular mill played an important role in George Washington’s vision for America’s future. Early-American millers reveal Washington’s innovative approach to farming as they grind wheat into flour just as it was done more than 200 years ago. Cornmeal, ground and bagged at the Gristmill, is available for sale at the Gristmill Shop. The Gristmill, located three miles from the Mount Vernon Estate on Route 235, is open daily through October, 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Mount Vernon’s main gate or at the Gristmill.
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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.
