Winter at Mount Vernon: Tea with Martha Washington, the National Symphony Orchestra, Book Talks, and Free Presidents Day Admission

When searching for unique events and activities during the chill of winter, look no further than George Washington’s Mount Vernon. January and February will feature tea and conversation with First Lady Martha Washington, a three-part concert series with the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra, the annual fundraising gala, book talks with renowned historians, and free admission in honor of George Washington’s Birthday.

Located just outside of Washington, D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River, upcoming events and activities include:

• Ford Evening Book Talk and Launch, American Inheritance: Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation, on January 17, 2023. This powerful history reveals how the twin strands of liberty and slavery were joined in the nation’s founding. Hear from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, historian, and professor, Edward J. Larson, followed by a book signing. Read more.

• Winter Clearance Sale on January 28, 2023. Take advantage of unique Mount Vernon products available at deeply discounted prices as The Shops at Mount Vernon clears out its warehouse. Read more.

• The National Symphony Orchestra plays a three-part chamber music series, including a champagne and a chocolate reception on January 31, February 28, and March 28, 2023. Performer and recording artist David K. Hildebrand will introduce music and instruments General Washington enjoyed, featuring the famed Nelly Parke Custis harpsichord, military music, music in the domestic setting. Read more.

• Ford Evening Book Talk: The Permanent Resident: Excavations and Explorations of George Washington’s Life on February 7, 2023. Hear from renowned author and historian Philip Levy about his new book, an archaeological history that uncovers the physical remains of the major sites where George Washington lived and visited. Read more.

• Tea with Martha Washington on February 11 and 25, 2023. Join the nation’s first First Lady for tea and colonial period refreshments as she shares memories of her life with General Washington as a young married couple, the Revolutionary War and presidency, and her time at Mount Vernon. Afterward, guests are invited to take a self-guided tour of the estate. Read more.

• George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball on February 19, 2023. Mount Vernon’s longest-running fundraiser, proceeds from the annual Ball support the restoration and preservation of George Washington’s historical home. Supporters will enjoy a cocktail reception, a three-course seated dinner, a live auction, entertainment, dancing, and a birthday toast delivered to General Washington. Read more.

• Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday with free admission on February 20 and 22, 2023. Tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival. Mansion tours are timed, and these tour tickets will be distributed first-come, first-served basis. Read more.

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.

Please note that as part of the ongoing historic preservation of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, tours of the Mansion will be unavailable from January 23 – February 5, 2023. However, the expansive estate remains open to visitors, including the museum and education center, more than a dozen historic buildings, the gardens and farm, and the Tomb. Please also note that The Shops at Mount Vernon will be closed for renovations from January 4-23, 2023, but the online store will remain open.