Mount Vernon Blog

Wind Tears Down George Washington's Tree

Wednesday, March 07, 2018

On March 2, a severe nor’easter brought strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic, relentlessly bombarding power lines and property throughout the region. The estate lost power for more than 36 hours and closed its doors the day of the storm. The wind storm struck down two historic trees on the estate, a circa 1791 Canadian hemlock and a 100-year-old Virginia…

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.  

When guests walk around George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, they will notice that the rooms and buildings are not only in pristine condition, but still look as if they are in the 18th century. This is due to the hard work from our preservation department, who are constantly researching and renovating the historic parts of the estate to keep them…

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…

Never Miss a Mount Vernon Facebook Post

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

In case you missed it, Facebook is changing your News Feed. Here’s how you can ensure you’ll never miss an update from Mount Vernon and your other favorite Facebook pages. Earlier this month, Facebook announced it would “prioritize posts from friends and family over public content,” and “show less public content, including videos and other posts from…

Mount Vernon's First Rum Run

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Long before George Washington started distilling whiskey, rum was the preferred alcoholic beverage in the American colonies. The colonists produced rum from molasses made in the Caribbean, and Washington purchased it by the hogshead (a cask of more than 100 gallons). In early February, Mount Vernon’s historic trades staff distilled rum at George Washington…