In addition to visiting the mansion and expansive estate at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, visitors can meet and mingle with renowned historians, authors, and musicians. Gardeners won’t want to miss a chance to purchase General Washington’s choice plants propagated from seeds or cuttings collected from the historic estate. Also, the Mount Vernon Inn will host an Easter Buffet.
March and April events and activities include:
- Watch the construction of an 18th-century English gown in only one weekend, March 4-5. Mount Vernon’s historic costumer, Kathrin Breitt Brown, and journeywoman mantua maker Brooke Welborn of Burnley & Trowbridge, will complete the gown and petticoat using hand stitching and 18th-century techniques. Learn more.
- Homeschool Day on March 6. Mount Vernon invites homeschooling families to discover the 18th century by exploring the farm at Mount Vernon. Special activities and discount rates apply. Learn more and purchase tickets.
- Hear from Niall O'Dowd, author of George Washington and the Irish: Incredible Stories of the Irish, Spies, Soldiers, and Workers Who Helped Free America, on March 8. This new book is the untold story of the vital role the Irish played in the American Revolution –not just on the battlefield but also in the field hospitals and the framing of the Declaration of Independence. A book signing and an Irish-themed reception are included in this complimentary event. Learn more and register.
- Meet Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Stacy Schiff as she discusses her new book, The Revolutionary, Samuel Adams, on March 15. Schiff brings her masterful skills to Adams’s life, illuminating his transformation from the son of a well-off family to a tireless radical who mobilized the colonies.A book signing and reception follow the lecture. Learn more and purchase tickets.
- Listen to members of the National Symphony Orchestra play on March 28. David K. Hildebrand, writer, performer, and recording artist, will introduce music and instruments George Washington enjoyed, followed by NSO chamber music and a champagne and chocolate reception with the musicians. .
- George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill open for the season on April 1. These fully-functioning reconstructions of George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill are located 2.7 miles from the estate’s main entrance. Tours are offered on weekends from April – October and are included with a Mount Vernon grounds pass. Learn more
- Enjoy an Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 9th at the historic Mount Vernon Inn. Call 703.799.5096 for reservations. View the menu.
- Attend a lecture and reception with historian Flora Fraser about her new book, Pretty Young Rebel, on April 13. Fraser dispels misinformation to reveal a picture of a headstrong woman named Flora Macdonald, a young Scotswoman whose decision to help Prince Charlie, the Stuart claimant to the British throne, evade capture and flee the country. Learn more and purchase tickets.
- Hear from Benjamin L. Carp, author of The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution, on April 27. This new book tells the untold story of the mysterious fire that burned down much of New York City shortly after the British took the city during the Revolutionary War. This event includes a book signing. Register for this free event.
- Shop for heirloom vegetables, herbs, annual flowers, native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown in Mount Vernon's greenhouses. Members can shop one day early, on April 28, with a reservation. Advance tickets are not required on April 29 and April 30 for the general public sale. Members receive a 10 percent discount on plants. Learn more.
- Mount Vernon Teacher of the Year Nominations (Washington, DC metro area) The Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to a local History or Social Studies teacher who brings creativity and passion to his or her classroom; instills a love of learning in students; and deepens student understanding and appreciation of history. Click here to nominate a teacher.
Read the full listing of Mount Vernon events here. Most Mount Vernon events are free or discounted for members. Information about Mount Vernon membership is available here.