We Fight to Be Free

A highlight of the Ford Orientation Center is We Fight to Be Free, a dramatic, 20-minute movie featuring an action-oriented re-enactment of the defining moment of the Revolutionary War – Washington crossing the Delaware River. Not a traditional, predictable orientation film, Mount Vernon’s film will be a mini-epic which will reintroduce visitors to the charismatic American hero and the events that defined his legendary leadership and character. The film is presented in rotation in two adjacent theaters with total seating for 450 viewers.

Mount Vernon in Miniature is an exact replica of the Mansion.

Mount Vernon in Miniature

Another attraction at the Ford Orientation Center is Mount Vernon in Miniature, an authentic, one-twelfth scale exact replica of the Mansion. Touring the United States since its debut in 1998, the mini-mansion is a working model of the first president’s home that will prepare visitors for what they will experience in the real Mansion nearby. The miniature’s doorknobs turn, windows open and close, candles light, drawers open, fireplaces work, and latches latch.

Lobby Features

Lobby of Ford Orientation Center

The airy lobby of the Ford Orientation Center includes an elliptical floor-to-ceiling wall of glass that embraces a picturesque clearing with views to a pasture. The light-filled space gives visitors a continuous visual connection to the estate as they receive information before embarking on their tour. This design element was created by GWWO Inc./Architects to reflect Washington’s own plan for his grounds and his desire for visitors in the 18th century to have glimpses of the estate as they approached via a meandering path.

Detail of stained glass window depicting scenes of Washington's life.

Prior to entering the movie theater, visitors will gravitate to another wall of the lobby featuring a colorful stained glass window depicting five scenes from Washington’s remarkable life. Below the circa 1950s stained glass panels is a timeline orienting visitors to Washington’s accomplishments.

Life-sized bronze sculptures of George and Martha Washington and Mrs. Washington’s two grandchildren, Nelly and Washy, welcome visitors to the Ford Orientation Center. Created by StudioEIS in Brooklyn, New York, and supported by Robert H. and Clarice Smith, the sculptures are a three-dimensional representation of the Washington family and their life at Mount Vernon.