2008

August

The National Treasure Tour Continues!
August – October
Historic Mount Vernon
The “National Treasure Tour,” where visitors can take an hour-long walking tour that includes behind-the-scenes information about areas where “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” filming took place and how these locations were used during George Washington’s time, continues through October. The Mansion’s basement with its cornerstone is included in this tour at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. There are no advance reservations for individual tickets.  The National Treasure Tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot and costs $5 per tour.

The Whiskey Rebellion at Mount Vernon
August 9-10, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill
This weekend only, members will be admitted to the Distillery & Gristmill FREE!  Members are required to present their membership card for complimentary admission.  No list will be available on site.  Photo ID may also be requested.  The Whiskey Rebellion controversy comes to Historic Mount Vernon for the first time with dramatic performances, a military encampment, militia drilling, music, open-hearth cooking, and costumed demonstrations. See what happens when the miller tries to convince them to stay home. Fast forward in time and meet Washington’s distiller, who reflects five years after the rebellion on how the Whiskey Rebellion solidified the laws of the country. Tour the Gristmill and Distillery as costumed workers operate both buildings. Enjoy tastes of food made from cornmeal, and purchase your own meal ground at the Gristmill. Activities are included in regular admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the main Mount Vernon Estate.  Normal General Admission is $4 for adults; $2 youth ages 6-11; free for children ages 5 and younger.

George Washington at Home Series
(first in a series of three lectures)
August 23, 11:00 a.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex
In this George Washington at Home program we take the series in a literary direction. Performers from Mount Vernon’s First Person unit will present readings from authors whose works are found in the General’s home library, such as William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Alexander Pope and Miguel de Cervantes, and authors the General knew personally, such as Phillis Wheatley and Colonel David Humphreys. If you could ask General Washington the question, “Read any good books lately?” – here you’ll find his answer! By invitation only.  Invitations have been mailed to qualified members. Pre-registration is also required. For more information contact Membership at membership@mountvernon.org


September

The National Treasure Tour Continues!
September – October
Historic Mount Vernon 
The “National Treasure Tour,” where visitors can take an hour-long walking tour that includes behind-the-scenes information about areas where “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” filming took place and how these locations were used during George Washington’s time, continues through October. The Mansion’s basement with its cornerstone is included in this tour at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. There are no advance reservations for individual tickets. The National Treasure Tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot and costs $5 per tour.

18th Century Crafts Fair
September 13-14, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Historic Mount Vernon
The thirteenth annual 18th-century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon re-creates an early-American marketplace where artisans demonstrate their crafts and sell their wares. Lively performances by entertaining acts showcase amazing but true 18th-century amusements!  Special activities include FREE sightseeing cruises compliments of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company.

The Gay Hart Gaines Lecture Series
(second in a series of three lectures)
September 16, 7:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex
Harlow Giles Unger continues to examine the hidden genius of George Washington.  In this lecture, Mr. Unger reveals George Washington, Statesman, and examines Washington's role in the ratification of the Constitution.  By invititation only.  Invitations have been mailed to qualified members.  Pre-registration is also required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org

Neighborhood Friends Family Night Picnic
September 21, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Historic Mount Vernon
Join fellow Neighbord Friends of Mount Vernon for an evening of entertainment and revelry, George Washington style! Enjoy picnic fare, wagon rides, colonial games, tours of the Mansion, and live music. By invitation only.  Invitations mailed the week of August 4th. This is a ticketed event and ticket orders must be received by August 29th. For more information about the picnic, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org

Slave Commemoration Ceremony
September 27, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Slave Memorial at Historic Mount Vernon 
Black Women United for Action and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association join together to commemorate the slaves who lived and worked at Mount Vernon with a wreath laying ceremony and a musical presentation at the Slave Memorial. This event features dramatic readings and uplifting music to remember and recognize the slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments, and contributions to the early formation of this nation.


October

Last Month for the National Treasure Tour!
All of October
Historic Mount Vernon
The “National Treasure Tour,” where visitors can take an hour-long walking tour that includes behind-the-scenes information about areas where “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” filming took place and how these locations were used during George Washington’s time, continues through October. The Mansion’s basement with its cornerstone is included in this tour at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. There are no advance reservations for individual tickets. The National Treasure Tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot and costs $5 per tour.

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tours
October 3-5, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Historic Mount Vernon
Join Mount Vernon in its rain-or-shine fall celebration of the history of the Virginia wine industry. Guests sample wines from award-winning Virginia wineries, learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s wine endeavors, enjoy live blues, and meet “George Washington” on the Mansion's piazza. Guests also have the opportunity to experience an evening tour of George Washington's home and are invited to visit the rarely-open cellar vaults where Washington stored his wine. The Shops at Mount Vernon will be open for early Christmas shopping. More information on event and ticket presale coming soon!

Fall Harvest Family Days
October 18-19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pioneer Farm at Historic Mount Vernon
With all the wheat cleared and the crops picked, Mount Vernon will transform its four-acre George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site into a harvest celebration. Rain or shine visitors will meet “General Washington,” and witness wheat-treading and farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations. Families can watch the colonial cooking demonstrations, take a wagon ride, and find their way through a straw bale maze. Visitors can also watch and participate in 18th-century country dancing at the 16-sided treading barn yard! This weekend, Potomac River sightseeing cruises, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company, are available half-price. Tickets may be purchased at the Ford Orientation Center or on the boat.


November

George Washington at Home Series
(second in a series of three lectures)
November 2, 11:00 a.m.
George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill
Information Coming Soon!

The Gay Hart Gaines Lecture Series
(third in a series of three lectures)
November 18, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex
Harlow Giles Unger concludes his examination of the hidden genius of George Washington In this lecture, Mr Unger reveals George Washington, the visionary, and examines Washington's role in constructing the new republic.  By invitation only.  Invitations were mailed to qualified Members. Pre-registration is also required. For information about this series, please contact the Membership office at membership@mountvernon.org

Christmas at Mount Vernon Begins!
November 28 - January 6
Historic Mount Vernon
With an unprecedented emphasis on the Christmas season, Historic Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelfth day of Christmas (November 28 – January 6).  NEW THIS YEAR are themed decorations, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and even a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during the Christmas of 1787. The popular tradition of opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming “Lady Washington” continues.  All programs are included in general admission. Mount Vernon is open 365 days of the year, and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during “Christmas at Mount Vernon.”

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only 
Weeks of November 28 - December 14 
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Historic Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon sparkles with holiday cheer during this lively Colonial Christmas event! During this holiday program, visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions, tour the candlelit Mansion, and meet First Lady Martha Washington.  The Mansion is beautifully appointed for the holiday festivities. Lantern-lit lanes, hot cider, and ginger cookies recall the charm of days gone by, while caroling around a roaring fire and early-American music bring merry melody to the holiday season. This is a ticketed event.  Information for the Members-only Pre-Sale coming soon!


December

Celebrate Christmas at Mount Vernon
Through January 6, 9:00am-4:00pm
Historic Mount Vernon
With an unprecedented emphasis on the Christmas season, Historic Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelfth day of Christmas (November 28 – January 6).  NEW THIS YEAR are themed decorations, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and even a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during the Christmas of 1787. The popular tradition of opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming “Lady Washington” continues.  All programs are included in general admission. Mount Vernon is open 365 days of the year, and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during “Christmas at Mount Vernon.” 
,
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only  Weeks of November 28 - December 14  5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Historic Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon sparkles with holiday cheer during this lively Colonial Christmas event! During this holiday program, visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions, tour the candlelit Mansion, and meet First Lady Martha Washington.  The Mansion is beautifully appointed for the holiday festivities. Lantern-lit lanes, hot cider, and ginger cookies recall the charm of days gone by, while caroling around a roaring fire and early-American music bring merry melody to the holiday season. This is a ticketed event.  Information for the Members-only Pre-Sale coming soon!

Members-only Holiday Reception & Candlelight Tour
December 11, Time TBD
Ann Pamela Cunningham Building 
Information Coming Soon! 

Regent’s Circle-only Holiday Reception & Candlelight Tour
December 18, Time TBD
Executive Director’s Residence
Information Coming Soon!