2017 Year in Review
Mount VernonGeorge Washington's Mount Vernon 2017 Year in Review
2017 brought many milestones and celebrations, Mount Vernon would like to thank everyone for helping us preserve the home and legacy of the Washingtons.
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2017, January 19
Video: "A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution" Released
George Washington’s Mount Vernon has released a new feature production titled, A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution. This 25-minute production looks at the causes leading to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, the many compromises included within the document and the challenges in ratifying the constitution.
2017, February 20
Mount Vernon Sets New Daily Attendance Record
On the national observance of Washington’s birthday and on an unseasonably warm day Mount Vernon welcomed over 22,000 guests to the home of George and Martha Washington marking an all-time single day attendance high for the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.
2017, January 24
Flora Fraser announced as Georgian Papers Fellow
The prize-winning author and historian researched at the Royal Library and Archives at Windsor Castle, focusing on the papers of King George III in a joint collaboration project between the Washington Library and King's College London.
2017, March 1
First and Second Lady Visit the Washington Library
First Lady Melania Trump and Karen Pence, the Second Lady of the United States greeted and delivered remarks to the spouses of 37 Governors, who visiting Mount Vernon as part of a tour.
2017, March 22
George Washington Rye Whiskey Named State Spirit
Thanks to a bill sponsored by Virginia Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30th) and signed by Governor Terry McAuliffe, George Washington’s Rye Whiskey® made at Mount Vernon’s reconstructed distillery was named the official state spirit of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
2017, April 26
Nathaniel Philbrick Wins 2017 George Washington Prize
Author Nathaniel Philbrick won the coveted George Washington Prize, for his book, Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution. The prize, now in its 12th year honors its namesake by recognizing the year’s best new books on the nation’s founding era
2017, May 5-6
Revolutionary War Weekend
Mount Vernon welcomed over 300 Revolutionary War re-enactors portraying Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate as they participated in 4 mock battles throughout the weekend.
2017, July 1-2
Independence Fireworks
Mount Vernon celebrated the nation's birthday with our new annual event, Independence Fireworks which included mansion tours, a visit by General and Mrs. Washington and of course a dazzling fireworks display.
2017, June 8
First VLOG Episode Released
Hosted by Mount Vernon's digital storyteller, Ethan takes visitors behind the scenes at Mount Vernon. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch past episodes as we visit our collections, horticulture, livestock, historic trades and other departments across Mount Vernon.
2017, July 19
Lives Bound Together Exhibit Wins Leadership in History Awards
Mount Vernon's current Museum exhibit: Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, won the Leadership in History Awards by the American Association for State and Local History. This award is the most prestigious recognition in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.
2017, August 7
Mount Vernon Hosts 150 Purple Heart Recipients
In a special ceremony hosted by Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. We welcomed more than 150 recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for their sustained wounds in battle protecting this country.
2017, August 11-12
Damage to the East Slope
On August 11 and 12, severe storms came through our area, and we experienced heavy rains in a very short amount of time. This unusual amount of rain has had a devastating impact on the estate resulting in erosion at the ha-ha wall on the lawn overlooking the Potomac. A large section of that wall was washed out.
Restorations are underway to restore the slope and prevent future damage.
2017, September
Front Parlor Restoration Begins
One of the most elaborately finished rooms in the house, the front parlor served as the primary entertaining space in the Mansion for most of the Washingtons’ lives. The restoration is currently on view to the public through the installation of transparent doors and will continue through 2018.
2017, September 16
Colonial Market and Fair
Mount Vernon welcomed over 40 18th century artisans and performers from all across America at our annual Colonial Market & Fair.
2017, September 27
Mansion Illuminated by Light Art
Swiss light artist, Gerry Hofstetter, created a special members-only event projecting light images on the Mansion timed to music.
2017, October 7
The Newly Renovated Blue Room Opens to the Public
After a seven month restoration, guided by new research and investigation, the second story bedchamber’s dramatic transformation includes reproduction French wallpaper, cream-painted woodwork, and a bedstead draped in a striking blue-printed cotton.
2017, October 16
Mount Vernon welcomed Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands
Mount Vernon was honored to welcome Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands as they toured the home of the first President on October 16th, 2017 along with their three children, Countess Eloise, Count Claus-Casimir and Countess Leonore.
2017, November 28
Preservation Challenge Kicks-Off
Mount Vernon launches the Preservation Challenge on Giving Tuesday to help raise funds to preserve the Mansion and grounds. With this year's campaign, a video was produced highlighting the passion of those who work tirelessly to preserve Washington's home.
2017, December 6
Mount Vernon Announces New President & CEO
Dr. Doug Bradburn, the Washington Library's founding director was announced by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to be the 11th Director of Mount Vernon.
2017, December 14-15
Christmas Illuminations
Mount Vernon closed out the year with a bang with our annual Christmas Illuminations celebration featuring fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.
2017, December 19
Renovated Revolutionary War Theater Opens to the Public
Known as the theater that snows, Mount Vernon undertook a two-month-long renovation of this popular attraction. The new theater includes an entirely new production on a new large 4K resolution screen with updated 4D effects.
