Celebrate General Washington's Birthday During America's Semiquincentennial
Watch an 18th-Century Hoecake Demonstration With General Washington
9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Meet General Washington on the 12-acre field for a live hoecake demonstration with Half Crown Bakehouse.
Learn how this staple food, one of Washington's favorites, was prepared in the 18th century, then pick up freshly baked bread after the demonstration.
Enjoy a Special Birthday Cake
1 p.m.
Join General Washington in the courtyard near the Texas Gate entrance to the estate and have a slice of birthday cake (while supplies last).
Attend the USCIS Naturalization Ceremony
11 a.m.
Observe a powerful ceremony as individuals from around the world become United States citizens in the Smith Theater at the Ford Orientation Center.
Honor the General at a Ceremonial Wreath Laying
12 p.m.
Pay respects to George Washington on his birthday by attending a wreath laying at his Tomb.
Experience Music of the Revolution
10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Join our resident fifer on the bowling green for a live musical demonstration and discussion of fife and drum music and its role during the American Revolution.
Discover How Music Reflected Everyday Life on the Home Front
1:15 p.m.
Hear Ampersand's special Revolutionary War-era program, "Music of the New Nation," which focuses on the experience of the home front and everyday people as they faced the battle for independence in the Smith Auditorium.
Enjoy selections played on period instruments, including guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, cello, and penny whistles.
Watch the United States Air Force Strings Concert
2:30 p.m.
Listen to a patriotic concert by the United States Air Force Strings at in the Smith Auditorium.
Step Into a Pivotal Moment of the American Revolution
12:30 p.m.
Step into a pivotal moment of the American Revolution at the Patriots Path as you hear firsthand how George Washington and his generals planned to force the British army out of Boston.
Learn why the bold decision to place newly arrived cannons from Fort Ticonderoga on Dorchester Heights changed the course of the war—told by one of the very generals who helped make it.
General Washington himself may even make a surprise appearance.
Explore Washington's Young Life & Mount Vernon's Archaeological Finds at Discovery Stations
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn about the unprecedented discovery of preserved cherry bottles and the latest research being done on these bottles and their contents in the historic area.
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover George Washington's early life and the people and events that shaped the leader he became on the bowling green.
Craft a Birthday Card for the First President
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Get creative and craft a birthday card with a personal message for George Washington on the bowling green.
Dinner from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant (Dine In or Takeout)
In honor of George Washington's birthday, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is offering a special menu, Feb. 15-22.
Dine at the Inn or order online for curbside pickup.
Food & Beverages Featuring Our Resident Bread Baker
All Day
Pick up fresh-baked bread for purchase made in an 18th-century clay oven from Half Crown Bakehouse.
Stop by the food truck, Executive Orders, on the 12-acre field, which offers a convenient mix of delicious options to enjoy as you take in the estate.
Schedule of Events
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Discovery Station: Young George Washington | Bowling Green |
| 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Hoecake Making Demonstration with Half Crown Bakehouse | 12-acre field |
| 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Create a Birthday Card for George Washington | Bowling Green |
| 10:30 a.m. | Music of the Revolution Performance Featuring Mount Vernon's Resident Fifer | Bowling Green |
| 11 a.m. | Naturalization Ceremony | Ford Orientation Center - Smith Theater |
| 12 p.m. | Ceremonial Wreath Laying | Washington's Tomb |
| 12:30 p.m. | Washington’s Council of War: Dorchester | Patriots Path |
| 1 p.m. | Birthday Cake with General Washington | Courtyard near Texas Gate Entrance |
| 1:15 p.m. | Music of the New Nation Concert | Smith Auditorium |
| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Discovery Station: Uncorking History | Historic Area |
| 2:30 p.m. | United States Air Force Strings Concert | Smith Auditorium |
| 2:30 p.m. | Music of the Revolution Performance Featuring Mount Vernon's Resident Fifer | Bowling Green |
| All Day | Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck Concessions | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Half Crown Bakehouse | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Pick Up a Commemorative Gift | The Shops at Mount Vernon |
Seating & Safety Information
Please note that chairs are not permitted during daytime events. All bags are subject to inspection.
This event is sponsored by:
