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2022 Preservation Initiatives

Each year at Mount Vernon, we carefully prepare extensive plans for all our preservation efforts. The meticulous work undertaken taxes our resources greatly, so your support helps ensure the successful and timely completion of such projects. Read about some of this year’s key preservation efforts you are making possible.

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Past

Lafayette Room

This year’s Mansion interior work focuses on the Lafayette Room. Completed last month, this project included repairing and refinishing the ceiling, repainting the woodwork, hanging wallpaper, and installing textiles and furnishings.

 

Central Passage

As the entryway to the Mansion, the Central Passage is where visitors were greeted upon arriving at the Washingtons’ home. Following the transformation of the Central Passage in autumn of 2020, we are in the final stages of installing new frames for the prints displayed on its walls.

Present

East Front

The restoration of the East Front of the Mansion is the final phase in a multiyear restoration of the Mansion exterior. This includes repairing the ornamental molding around the entire roof of the piazza and the eight pillars supporting it.

FUN FACT: During this restoration project, our paint conservator confirmed that 18th-century paint layers are preserved on an area of the siding.

 

Little Parlor

In addition to being updated with fresh wallpaper, the Little Parlor is receiving reproduction Windsor chairs that have been custom made according to the surviving Windsor chair from the Washingtons’ own collection. The room is also being furnished with new window curtains and settee bedstead upholstery.

Little Parlor

In addition to being updated with fresh wallpaper, the Little Parlor is receiving reproduction Windsor chairs that have been custom made according to the surviving Windsor chair from the Washingtons’ own collection. The room is also being furnished with new window curtains and settee bedstead upholstery.

Future

Washington’s Study

Close examination of the cornice and plaster behind the bookpress in Washington’s Study reveals original paint layers that are visible and in good condition. This discovery will guide our research as we work to determine how to best preserve and restore this room.

 

Washingtons’ Bedchamber

Work on the Washingtons’ Bedchamber is currently in the research phase. Before beginning our preservation and restoration of this room, our experts will conduct a careful analysis of the space and plan accordingly.

Give now to support preservation and more at Mount Vernon.

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