Explore Fall Traditions With 18th-Century Demonstrations & Activities
Watch Wheat-Treading in Washington's 16-Sided Barn
11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Witness horses perform the treading process inside a replica of Washington's innovative 16-sided barn.
Learn first-hand how animals separated wheat seeds from the stalk.
Afterward, watch a demonstration of how to separate the seeds from the chaff using riddling and winnowing baskets.
This demonstration requires a free ticket. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, starting 15 minutes before each demonstration.
See Traditional Colonial Trades Skills in Action
All Day
Step into Washington's world and watch expert interpreters demonstrate how people:
- made soap
- forged metal
- cooked
- did laundry
- spun and wove clothing
Discover Mount Vernon's Farm to Table Methods
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn about one of the most famous fall crops: pumpkins!
Explore how people used pumpkins in the 18th century and the varieties still grown at Mount Vernon. Find out how enslaved people supplemented their diets by tending small gardens and foraging for wild foods.
Hear From General Washington & People From His World
At the Farm, meet George Washington as he speaks about his experiences as a founding farmer.
In the Interpretive Center, see the General through the eyes of his family, friends, and hired and enslaved staff as they talk about life at Mount Vernon.
October 24:
- Peter Hardiman: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Martha Washington: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
October 25:
- Tobias Lear: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m.
Meet Animals From Washington's Farm
Visit with our Livestock team to learn about the different farm animals here at Mount Vernon and the work they performed during harvest time in the colonial era.
Dig Into Mount Vernon Archaeology
Learn about archaeological digs and artifacts found on the estate from our expert Archaeology team.
Play 18th-Century Games
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Play lawn games that were enjoyed in the colonial era, such as Wood Cup & Ball, Game of Graces, and hoops.
Listen to A Story About Washington's Farming Innovations
11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Hear Farmer George Plants a Nation read aloud. Learn about the innovative farming methods used during Washington's time.
Best-suited for ages 7-12.
Participate in a Scavenger Hunt
After story time, pick up a scavenger hunt to explore more about farming at Mount Vernon.
Visit the Revolutionary War Encampment
All Day
Immerse yourself in the daily life of soldiers, military officers, and the women and children who traveled with the army as you explore our Revolutionary War encampment.
Explore the soldiers’ tents to see clothing and personal hygiene items from the period, and discover how soldiers spent their time off the battlefield.
Try your hand at washing clothes and laying them out to dry in the laundry yard, and touch the various tools needed for cooking for a large number of people.
This event is sponsored by:
Mount Vernon is located in northern Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C.
For more information about things to do in Virginia, visit Virginia.org, the official tourism website for the state of Virginia. You’ll find an overview of each region in Virginia, as well as information about cultural attractions, museums, upcoming events, and where to stay. You can also purchase merchandise featuring the official Virginia slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.”