2008
JANUARY
January 6
End of Holidays at Mount Vernon
Music at Mount Vernon (first in a series of three concerts)
January 22, 7:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex, champagne reception to follow in the Vaughan Lobby
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the National Symphony Orchestra present Chamber Music and the Greatest Myths About George Washington, part I. Performances will include works by Mozart and Brahms. Invitations have been mailed to qualified Members. Pre-registration is required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org.
Tour George Washington's Basement
January 12 to February 10, Weekends Only
During the Estate hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
See where the blockbuster hit National Treasure: Book of Secrets gets it right and where they journey off into fiction.
FEBRUARY
Mount Vernon Celebrates Black History Month
February 1 - 29
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Specialized interpretations at the Slave Quarters daily.
12:00 noon
Daily ceremony commemorates the lives of the slaves who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. Includes a wreathlaying.
George Washington's 276th Birthday Celebration!
Opening of Setting the President's Table: American Presidential China from the Robert L. McNeil, Jr. Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
February 16
The Donald W. Reynolds Museum
The opening of the second exhibition to be housed in the new Museum's changing exhibition gallery, this show features over 120 pieces of china used by 21 American presidents, including Washington era ceramics returning to Mount Vernon after an absence of more than 200 years. These pieces will be supplemented by select objects such as French chairs used during the Madison and Monroe administrations and evening gowns worn by former first ladies Bess Truman and Nancy Reagan.
Breakfast with George Washington
February 16 and 17
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Piazza and East Lawn
Join General Washington for his favorite morning meal cooked over an open fire. While supplies last.
America's Smallest Hometown Parade
1:30 p.m.
The parade steps off.
61st Annual Birthnight Supper and Ball
February 17
6:30 p.m. Cocktails
8:00 p.m. Dinner and Program
The Mount Vernon Inn Complex
A fundraising event of the Neighborhood Friends of Mount Vernon, this black-tie affair celebrates George Washington's birthday. Guests from all over the region enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and a silent auction while raising money toward endowing a Blacksmith position at George Washington's beloved estate. By invitation only. Invitations were mailed December 27, 2007.
Happy Birthday, General Washington!
February 18
FREE admission for all visitors!
10:00 a.m. Presidential wreathlaying by the Military District of Washington
10:15 a.m. Military Demonstration by the U.S. Third Infantry
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Musical and military performances
Music at Mount Vernon (second in a series of three concerts)
February 26, 7:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex, champagne reception to follow in the Vaughan Lobby
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the National Symphony Orchestra present Chamber Music and the Greatest Myths About George Washington, part II. Performances will include works by Dvorak, Puccini, and Brahms. Invitations have been mailed to qualified Members. Pre-registration is required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org.
MARCH
Music at Mount Vernon (third in a series of three concerts)
March 11, 7:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex, champagne reception to follow in the Vaughan Lobby
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the National Symphony Orchestra present Chamber Music and the Greatest Myths About George Washington, part III. Performances will include works by Gershwin, Kodaly and Beethoven. Invitations have been mailed to qualified Members. Pre-registration is required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org.
The Michelle Smith Lecture Series (first in a series of three lectures)
March 18, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex, reception to follow in the Vaughan Lobby
Invitations will be mailed to qualified Members. Pre-registration is required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org.
APRIL and MAY
Gardening Days
April 12 to May 11
See the Mount Vernon Gardens in their springtime glory, plus enjoy an annual outdoor sale offering plants propagated from historic cuttings and a variety of specialty gift items.
The Michelle Smith Lecture Series (second in a series of three lectures)
April 23, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex, reception to follow in the Vaughan Lobby
Invitations will be mailed to qualified Members. Pre-registration is required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org
Mother's Day Weekend
May 10 and 11
Spectactular gardens are in bloom for a spring party featuring special music, demonstrations, and activities, including wagon rides through the Pioneer Farmer site.
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
The Little Theater
"The Mother of Her Country Speaks to Motherhood," Mrs. Washington hosts guests for photographs and presents.
Spring Wine Festival Member Pre-Sale
Dates to be announced
Members have the opportunity to buy advance tickets to the Wine Festival and Sunset tour at Mount Vernon through the Membership office. Flyers detailing the Pre-sale will be mailed.
Spring Wine Festival
May 16, 17 and 18
Join us for an extraordinary evening of wine and entertainment on the lawn overlooking the Potomac River
May 19
11:00 a.m.
The East Lawn
Naturalization Ceremony
JUNE
Happy Birthday, Martha Washington!
June 2
Celebrate the 277th Birthday of The Mother of Our Country. Festivities throughout the day.
Flag Day
June 14
Meet The Father of Our Country
June 15
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
The Little Theater
Meet General George Washington, Father of Our Country and Father of the First Family
JULY
An American Celebration!
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at the home of the first and greatest American hero. Festivities include patriotic music by the National Concert Band of America, military re-enactments by the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line, and FREE "Happy Birthday America!" cake while supplies last. The Sons of the American Revolution host a solemn ceremony at Washington's tomb.
