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Washington, D.C. Metro Area
Plan Your Visit
Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington
Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington
Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
The Estate
The Estate
There's So Much to See
There's So Much to See
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
George Washington
Youth
French & Indian War
Revolutionary War
Constitution
First President
Martha Washington
Slavery
Native Americans
Religion
Family
George Washington
Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband
Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
Preservation
Preservation
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
Education
Teachers and Students
For Your American History Class
For Your American History Class
Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!
Washington Library
Washington Library
The Library of the First President
The Library of the First President
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
With the installation of the scaffolding on the cupola, Collections Conservator Linda Landry had the opportunity to examine the condition of the replica Dove of Peace weathervane. She determined that there was a considerable amount of rust and corrosion on the piece, particularly in areas where copper and iron meet. In a short amount of time, she put together a treatment proposal to completely re-gild and repaint the dove.
The piece was last treated several years ago, but as with any outside object, it requires constant care and maintenance. Landry spent nearly 40 hours restoring the magnificent gilding on the dove. She removed the rust from the surface, carefully sanded it down, applied protective coatings and size and then regilded the piece. The result is an eye catching beacon of hope that will catch any guest’s eye. In July, the collections and preservation team reinstalled Mount Vernon’s iconic dove of peace weathervane.