Discover Educational Activities
Participate in Hands-on Experiences
Visit Mount Vernon educators in the Ford Orientation Center to learn about the American Revolution in the fall of 1775.
- Learn about Henry Knox, Fort Ticonderoga, the Siege of Boston, and more.
- Explore the creation of the Continental Navy, the Continental Marines, and the role of privateers in the fight for independence.
- Discover 18th-century political cartoons.
- Create your own miniature boat (while supplies last)
- Learn about composting from Mount Vernon's horticulture team from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hear a Speech by George Washington
Watch a speech by George Washington about his time in the Continental Army and what it meant to create one united fighting force.
Listen to Music of the Revolution
Hear our fifer play the fife, flute, and drums, and learn about the military music of the American Revolution at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. in the greenhouse.
Attend a Special Book Reading
Listen to Mount Vernon staff read two stories in the greenhouse:
- Cloaked in Courage by Beth Anderson at 11 a.m.
- Henry and the Cannons by Don Brown at 2 p.m.
Learn About Mount Vernon Archaeology
Talk with Mount Vernon archaeologists about the archaeological process and their recent discoveries in the lobby of the Donald W. Reynolds Museum.
See 18th-Century Demonstrations
Watch spinning and weaving demonstrations in the spinning house, where enslaved and hired weavers made utilitarian wool and linen cloth (9 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.).
Visit the blacksmith shop to discover what it meant to be a blacksmith during colonial America (9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.).
Please note: While the farm will be open for visitation, it will not be staffed. All trades activities will take place in the historic area and in the Ford Orientation Center.
Meet Mount Vernon's Livestock
Hear from Mount Vernon staff and meet the estate’s many animals during a Livestock Look & Learn.
- Horses: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Oxen: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Sheep: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Hogs & Turkeys: 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Sheep: 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.
Explore our Revolutionary War Encampment
Experience the American Revolution as you walk through an 18th-century Continental Army encampment featuring soldiers' tents and an officer’s tent.
Located in the lobby of the Museum, you can touch the items inside the tents, wash clothes in the laundry yard, and examine cooking utensils used by women and children who traveled with the army.
This attraction is made possible thanks to Americana Corner.
Enjoy a Meal at Washington's Home
Food and beverages are available for purchase at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, the Food Court Pavilion, and the Executive Orders food truck inside the estate.
Please note: Outside food and drink other than bottled water are prohibited on the estate. If you would like to bring bagged lunches, tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Shops at Mount Vernon.
Prepare for Your Visit With Our Learning Materials
View printable versions of the Homeschool Day Learning Materials. These tools will be available in person prior to the program.
Learn more about themes relating to different aspects of George Washington’s life and the enslaved people who worked and lived on his five farms.
- George Washington the Farmer
- George Washington and the Revolutionary War
- Henry Knox
- Siege of Boston
- Continental Navy
- Lives Bound Together
- Enslaved People at Mount Vernon
- 18th-Century Farming
- Teaching with Place Lesson Plan
Extend the learning at home by visiting the Online Activities for Kids webpage.
Constituting America Celebrates Constitution Day
On September 17, Constitution Day, join us in celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 in partnership with Constituting America at the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This educational program teaches students of all ages important principles about the U.S. Constitution and features lessons from General George Washington, the founder of Constituting America, Janine Turner, as well as CEO Cathy Gillespie, students from across the country, and former winners of Constituting America’s We The Future contest.
The program will be live-streamed to more than 1,000 schools and homeschool families.
Constituting America is a nonpartisan educational 501 ( c ) (3) that has been educating students and adults about the U.S. Constitution since 2010.