Special Tours & Activities

On May 4 and 5, visitors can take part in a fascinating line up of tours to behind-the-scenes locations, all included with your estate admission!  Capacities are limited; arrive early to secure your space.

9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
Behind-the-Scenes—Hike to the West Gate
During George Washington’s lifetime, visitors to Mount Vernon would frequently enter the estate through the West Gate. This special location, normally off-limits to visitors, will be open to participants on this hike. While walking to the historic West Gate with a member of our Preservation staff, learn more about the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association’s efforts to preserve and protect George Washington’s estate. Upon arrival at the West Gate, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular view of Mount Vernon from its original approach. This is a two-mile hike over rough terrain. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are required. Limited to 30 guests.

10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
Behind-the-Scenes—Archaeology Lab
What happens to artifacts after Mount Vernon’s archaeology team digs them up from the ground? Learn more about the science behind the quest for Washington objects during a tour of Mount Vernon’s Archaeology Lab. In addition to sharing fascinating stories of recent discoveries, staff will demonstrate the challenges with preserving 18th-century objects.  This space is open for tours exclusively during Mount Vernon’s Preservation Weekend.  Limited to 20 guests.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet our Preservation Experts!
Restoring George Washington’s “Large Dining Room” 
Meet with the team of architectural paint conservators who are behind the extensive restoration work in the Large Dining Room—cleaning and repairing the walls, ceiling, and the room’s ornamentation. Learn more about how these scientists are discovering the historic paint colors, preserving the delicate decoration, and see some of the tools they use in their restoration of the dining room.

2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Museum Tour—Meet the Curator
Mount Vernon’s experts devote painstaking attention to the ongoing challenges of preserving the Washington objects on view in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum. Enjoy a rare tour of the museum galleries led by our expert curators. View original Washington objects and learn about the stories behind their return to Mount Vernon.

10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.
Walking Tour – Archaeology & Architecture at Mount Vernon
Explore George Washington’s estate through this one-hour walking tour with Mount Vernon’s archaeology and architectural staff. What exciting things have been found on the grounds over the years?  How do architectural historians “read” buildings?  See excavation sites including where the Washington family trash was discarded and the House for Families slave quarters and visit the Mansion basement. Learn more about what has been discovered about our founding father by digging underground in what would have been the Washington family’s “midden,” or trash bin.

2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
“Once Upon a Time” Storytelling – Preserving George Washington’s Home
Our youngest visitors (ages 3 to 8) can gather to hear the exciting tale of the courageous women who saved Mount Vernon from ruin!

We are thrilled to announce that Mount Vernon is a finalist in an exciting contest to win up to $100,000 benefitting the Large Dining Room restoration in George Washington’s Mansion!

To win this grant, Mount Vernon needs your help – but no donation is required. We just need your votes online.

To vote for Mount Vernon, please visit the following site:
http://www.mountvernon.org/vote