Mount Vernon Blog

Working in all Weather

Friday, February 23, 2018

by Mary V. Thompson Since the Christmas holidays, the weather here at Mount Vernon has been something of a roller coaster, with days and weeks in the low double digits and other days when the sun is shining and the temperature may reach 70 degrees. We’ve had some snow, but not enough for a real “snow day." Some of you might be wondering if the enslaved…

The Legacy of Wreath Making at Washington's Tomb

Monday, February 19, 2018

Every year on George Washington's birthday, Mount Vernon welcomes visitors to Washington's Tomb for a presidential tribute. This special ceremony includes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Washington's prayer for his country, and the placement of a boxwood wreath. Boxwood was a significant plant in the 18th century. Washington planted it in the upper…

French Hound Farces

Friday, February 16, 2018

George Washington's love of dogs and foxhunting is well documented. However, some of Washington's dogs did not share his inclination for the sport. In May 1785, the Marquis de Lafayette wrote to Washington that he has a gift from a gentleman from Normandy: seven French Hounds, likely the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (left). Martha Washington's grandson,…

Exploring the Newburgh Conspiracy

Monday, February 12, 2018

by Jessie MacLeod, Associate Curator The curatorial team recently installed a new display in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, featuring two objects related to the Newburgh Conspiracy, one scenario featured in the recently-opened Be Washington interactive experience. Near the end of the Revolutionary War, a group of military officers…

Winter Sports at Mount Vernon

Thursday, February 08, 2018

While Virginia winters are milder than those in the north, George Washington and his family took part in winter games at Mount Vernon and in Philadelphia during Washington's presidency.  

Painting the Central Passage

Monday, February 05, 2018

During the Mansion’s two-week closure for preservation work, Mount Vernon’s architectural staff began a transformative restoration of the central passage. Upon reopening, the team unveiled a new look for the central passage, replacing the dark, wood-grained finish of the panel walls with a fresh coat of paint in a color known as “stone” in the 18th…