Experience a rare opportunity to see sheep, ox calves, horses, and a hog during Animal Family Day. Learn about Mount Vernon’s animals and the jobs they performed in George Washington's time. Hear stories about the enslaved people who cared for the animals, such as Giles a coachman, Peter Hardiman a horse groom, and Kitty a spinner.
Animal Day Family Hub
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit the 12-Acre Field to learn about Mount Vernon's heritage breeding program and the active role we play in preserving historic breeds. Enjoy fun activities such as take home crafts and an Animal Passport to explore the estate.
Activities and take-home craft kits available while supplies last.
Performance Tent
9:15am & 10:45am History in Motion: Bees
10:00am & 11:30am Story Time: George Washington and the General's Dog
12:00pm - 2:00pm 18th Century Character Interpretation
Animal Meet & Greets
In the Historic Area, meet Mount Vernon's the livestock team who cares for the animals with brief drop-in encounters. Please note the animals will be on view throughout the day.
9:30am - 10:30am Lambs at the Sheep Paddock
10:30am - 11:00am Oxen on the 12-Acre Field
11:00am - 12pm Horses at the Horse Paddock
1:00pm - 1:30pm Hog at the Hog Paddock
1:30pm - 2:30pm Lambs at the Sheep Paddock
Schedule is subject to change.
For the safety of our heritage breeds, disturbing or feeding animals is not permitted.
Sensory-Friendly Accommodations: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Mount Vernon will welcome guests who desire a quieter visit, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other sensory processing disorders.
To create a more sensory-friendly experience during this time, hand dryers will be turned off, lights and audio in exhibit spaces will be turned down, and select interactives will be turned off.
