An Elevated Experience for a Timeless Leader
As we near the 250th birthday of our nation, Washington’s values and leadership have never been more relevant. And we plan to reintroduce Washington to the nation and the world as only Mount Vernon can!
Your support will help Mount Vernon revitalize the Education Center to the George Washington Exhibition so we can connect our generation—and the many that follow—to the ever-relevant values and historic accomplishments of George Washington.
Please make a generous gift today to help Mount Vernon educate visitors in new, innovative, and exciting ways as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and beyond.
Learn From Our Greatest Leader
In 2026, we look forward to debuting a total revitalization of the current Education Center—revealing a transformed George Washington Exhibition.
This new experience will utilize the most current scholarship, improve navigation, provide more opportunities for immersion, and allow visitors — especially middle school-aged— to connect with Washington himself.
The Great Hall will serve as a central corridor, highlighting the most important aspects of Washington’s life and providing entrances to eight galleries that focus on Washington’s roles as president, entrepreneur, and general so visitors can go directly to the Washington content that most inspires them.
Ideally, visitors will see themselves in one or many of these qualities and will be invited to explore the world of Washington further through these themed galleries.
Washington's integrity, civility, and ingenuity are acknowledged and heralded so that younger generations of Americans can comprehend his character and enduring signifcance.
Ambition 1748
Outside the Early Life Gallery, this gallery highlights Washington's drive and thirst for knowledge. This will also highlight the Rules of Civility that he followed closely his entire life.
Washington's handwritten exercise of the Rules of Civility will be prominently featured.
Honor 1757
Also outside the Early Life Gallery, we will plant the seeds for the American Revolution, telling the story of Washington's experience in the French and Indian War and his desire for American troops to be treated fairly.
Washington's smallsword that he carried throughout his French and Indian War campaigns will be on display.
Perseverance 1778
Here, students will queue up to see the Revolutionary War 4-D film and all will learn how Washington's courageous leadership at Valley Forge secured American independence.
This painting by the renowned American artist John Trumbull, shows Washington's compassion for his fallen enemy as he directs his Major Smith to care for the Hessian Colonel Rall who was mortally wounded.
Humility 1778
Located outside the Revolutionary Leadership Gallery, this space will focus on how Washington incredibly and peacefully gave up power.
An all-American moment frozen in time for all to see: General George Washington Resigning His Commission to Congress As Commander in Chief of the Army at Annapolis, Maryland, December 23, 1783, John Trumbull, oil on canvas, Commissioned 1817, purchased 1824, Image courtesy of Architect of the Capitol
Ingenuity 1786
Outside the Mount Vernon Gallery we will showcase Washington's ingenious solutions for his business ventures at Mount Vernon.
Washington's own survey of his land includes two crop rotation tables that show his innovative spirit.
Vision 1786
Located within the Founding Documents Gallery, this display will highlight Washington's vision for America's new form of government, including the hope that states would work in unison, rather than in competition.
Wisdom 1786
Located outside the Presidency Gallery, here we reveal Washington's understanding that he was setting the standard for the future of the American presidency.
Doolittle's extremely rare engraving details for visitors Washington's role in the formation and future success of our nation's federal government.
While the Great Hall will be comprehensive, it is just one component of this marvelous new George Washington exhibition!
Off the Great Hall, four entry points will welcome guests to eight themed galleries with multiple exhibit areas in each.
Limited gallery naming opportunities are still available, starting at $100,000. If you are interested in making this major mark on history, please contact 703.799.8647.
Please give generously so we can educate visitors in new, innovative, and exciting ways as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and beyond.