We recently launched a new vlog series to show a side of Mount Vernon rarely seen by the public. The first episode explores Mount Vernon's hidden treasures with our collections team.
The collections staff oversees the 10,000 objects in the fine and decorative arts collection. The items in the collection that aren't on display in the Mansion or museum must be stored in a climate-controlled area. Only a few Mount Vernon staff members have access to this area and are qualified to handle its contents.
![A locket with the hair of George Washington inside it. Giving someone a locket of hair was a sign of friendship.](https://mtv-drupal-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/files/resources/locket.jpg?VersionId=8UIHtvvJLiyJ61_FzXsiBup1wpktI5UE)
![The contents of an 18th-century paint set. The original box is on view in the Mansion.](https://mtv-drupal-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/files/resources/paint_set.jpg?VersionId=92mbtg4eQnsnNKAKWzrehHJoyYYFoVHn)
Watch the video: