Learn About How the Enslaved Resisted Slavery
Discover how enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon defined their agency and the legacies they left behind. View a map of the estate to explore all of the days activities.
Visit the Family Hub
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Visit the Family Hub on the bowling green to learn about the lives of enslaved people at Mount Vernon and what emancipation and resistance meant in 18th-century Virginia.
Discover how enslaved men and women defined their agency and the legacies they left behind. There will be opportunities for both self and group reflection and self-expression through art.
Visit our special guests from Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House to explore the remarkable stories of the free Black families who established themselves as landowners in the 1850s. Many of these individuals were descendants of people once enslaved at Mount Vernon. (June 19 only)
Enjoy Live Musical Performances
Participate in a Special Foundations of American Music Program
10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
At the greenhouse, participate in an interactive music presentation highlighting the diverse musical traditions of 18th-century America.
Hear Music of the African Diaspora
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join special guests SlamOne to discover how music can serve as a common language that connects generations and cultures.
SlamOne’s cultural and historical interpreters will present interactive drumming and music brought to the New World by enslaved Africans between 1619 and 1800 and will demonstrate how our current culture continues these musical traditions.
Take Tours & Witness a Commemoration Ceremony
Join a Specialty Tour
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Take an Enslaved People of Mount Vernon specialty tour, which is included with admission. A free ticket is required to hold your place in line. Tours will start at the Mansion circle.
Go to a Special Commemoration Ceremony
11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Honor the lives of the enslaved at our Slave Memorial & African American Burial Ground Commemoration Ceremony.
See Spinning, Cooking & Blacksmith Demonstrations
See How Blacksmithing was Done in the 18th-Century
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
In the historic area, see Mount Vernon staff demonstrate 18th-century blacksmithing techniques.
Explore the Foodways of the Enslaved Community
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Visit the replica slave cabin on the Farm to learn about recipes of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon.
Watch How Colonial Era Textiles Were Made
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Stop by the spinning house in the historic area to learn about enslaved and hired spinners and 18th-century spinning techniques.
Meet People From Washington's World
Watch Character Performances
Head to the Interpretive Center for special character performances from William Lee and other people from Washington's world who consider freedom and resistance through the eyes of the enslaved community.
Hear special remarks from members of the League of the Descendants of the Enslaved at Mount Vernon.
June 19:
- William Lee - 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
- League of the Descendants - 10:45 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.
- Martha Washington - 12 p.m.
June 20:
- Tobias Lear - 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
- League of the Descendants - 10:45 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.
- Martha Washington - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Experience Living History at a Revolutionary War Encampment
Visit Mount Vernon's very own Revolutionary War encampment to hear stories about freed and enslaved soldiers, their bravery, and the road to emancipation.
Listen to Story Time
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hear a reading of A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell & Floyd Cooper. This book tells the true story of the enslaved James Lafayette, who was a spy for George Washington’s army during the American Revolution.
Explore Artifacts & Animals of Mount Vernon
Visit the Archaeological Field School
Visit The Slave Memorial & African American Burial Ground to see Mount Vernon’s Archaeological Field School and learn about ongoing research on the enslaved people who lived here. (June 19 only)
Attend Livestock Look & Learns
Hear from the Livestock staff about the many animals that lived at Mount Vernon in the 18th century.
- Horse Look & Learn: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Oxen Look & Learn: 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Sheep Look & Learn: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Hog/Turkey Look & Learn: 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Visit Our Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit
Learn about the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at George Washington’s five farms, gristmill, and distillery within the quarters of the historic area.
Find out how enslaved people formed families, created tight-knit communities, earned money, and acquired personal possessions.
Discover recently-excavated archaeological artifacts that highlight the humanity and work of these men, women, and children.
Explore the legacy of George Washington’s decision in his will to free those enslaved to him—the only founding father to do so—and the ongoing efforts by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and its vital community partners to research and share the lives of people enslaved at Mount Vernon.
Remembering the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon
Seating & Safety Information
Please note that chairs are not permitted during daytime events. All bags are subject to inspection.