Revitalize the Mansion
We are currently working on a major Mansion Revitalization effort which will strengthen the Mansion's foundation, preserve original architecture, open new areas of interpretation, and create documentation that will mark this as one of the biggest restoration efforts in Mount Vernon's history.
Phase 1 – Planned Completion August 2023
We’ve kicked off the first phase of this Revitalization Project with the expansion of the underground utility bunker. This critical expansion will:
- Control the humidity and temperature with room by room zoning - which will preserve the architectural fabric as well as priceless objects on display.
- Provide additional access to the historic cellar which will allow for greater interpretation into this hidden hub of Mansion operations.
- Preserve the historic fabric of the Mansion by upgrading obsolete HVAC systems.
Digging Up History
Before this first phase broke ground, we started with an archaeological dig and found some exciting treasures that we want to share with you.
Digging Up History
Before this first phase broke ground, we started with an archaeological dig and found some exciting treasures that we want to share with you.
Domino
One particularly exciting discovery was a small piece of domino likely from the early 19th century. This is the first domino fragment found in an archaeological excavation; a nearly complete domino was found in the 1930s during construction work. It is common practice at Mount Vernon to do archaeology before breaking any ground.
U.S. Army Artillery Corps Button
The military connection at Mount Vernon remains strong! During excavations at the north end of the Mansion, a second War of 1812-era U.S. Army Artillery Corps button was recovered. This button was among the first series of U.S. military regalia to feature an American eagle.
Wine Seal
Recently, our team found a wine seal bearing the name of John Posey, who was once George Washington’s neighbor. Bottles with seals like this were seen as signs of gentility, wealth, and individuality among the planter class. The bottle with this seal may have been brought to Mount Vernon by Posey for a social event or it may have arrived after Washington purchased property from Posey in 1769.
Domino
One particularly exciting discovery was a small piece of domino likely from the early 19th century. This is the first domino fragment found in an archaeological excavation; a nearly complete domino was found in the 1930s during construction work. It is common practice at Mount Vernon to do archaeology before breaking any ground.
U.S. Army Artillery Corps Button
The military connection at Mount Vernon remains strong! During excavations at the north end of the Mansion, a second War of 1812-era U.S. Army Artillery Corps button was recovered. This button was among the first series of U.S. military regalia to feature an American eagle.
Wine Seal
Recently, our team found a wine seal bearing the name of John Posey, who was once George Washington’s neighbor. Bottles with seals like this were seen as signs of gentility, wealth, and individuality among the planter class. The bottle with this seal may have been brought to Mount Vernon by Posey for a social event or it may have arrived after Washington purchased property from Posey in 1769.
This is just the beginning of our preservation journey together. Please give generously so we can Revitalize the Mansion so it is ready to welcome millions of visitors in celebration of America's 250th birthday in 2026.