Explore Women's Stories Through Hands-On History
All Day
Explore some of the many courageous, yet often times forgotten, women of this nation's founding era through facilitated stations, primary sources and hands-on programs on the 12-acre field.
For example, make your own beaded bracelet and pick up activities you can do at home (while supplies last).
Join Story Time to Uncover a Unique Patriot Soldier
11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
On the bowling green, listen to a reading of Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier, and discover how a woman enlisted and fought in the Continental Army.
Watch 18th-Century Demonstrations
All Day
In the Ford Orientation Center, see the Chesapeake Regional Lace Guild demonstrate and discuss the history of 18th-century lace making.
See Sparks Fly at the Blacksmith Shop
All Day
Visit the blacksmith shop and watch our tradespeople recreate tools, utensils, and hardware to assist with preservation work and living history demonstrations around George Washington's estate.
Observe How Colonial-era Clothing Was Made
All Day
Stop by the spinning house to learn about textiles in the 18th century as our historic trades interpreters demonstrate how weavers made utilitarian wool and linen cloth.
Hear Music of the Revolution
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
On the bowling green, listen to our fifer play music from the revolutionary era using different fifes, flutes, and a drum.
Watch as he demonstrates various 18th-century dances, such as the minuet, jig, and reel.
Meet People From Washington's World
Join our character interpreters in the Interpretive Center to hear their first-person recounting of life during the Revolutionary War.
Marth Washington
12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Listen to Martha Washington explain how she supported the troops, the times she visited George Washington throughout the war, and her role in running the Mount Vernon estate during this time period.
Elanor (Nelly) Parke Custis
11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Meet Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis, Martha Washington's granddaughter, as she shares vivid stories from her childhood—tales of growing up at Mount Vernon and watching her step-grandfather rise to become the nation’s first president.
Visit the Interactive Revolutionary War Encampment
All Day
Explore our Revolutionary War encampment to learn about women's contribution to the Continental Army.
Immerse yourself as you listen to stories of the daily lives of soldiers, officers, and families who traveled with the army.
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.
Discover Mount Vernon's Animals & Archaeological Finds
On the Farm, meet the animals of George Washington's estate. Talk with the Livestock team about the importance of these animals on Washington's farms and the jobs they performed in the 18th century.
- Sheep: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Oxen: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Horses: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Hogs & Turkeys: 1 p.m.
- Sheep: 1:30 p.m.
Learn How Archaeologists Uncover Mount Vernon's Past
All Day
Hear from archaeologists about their role and recent discoveries on the 12-acre field. Discuss the archaeological process and learn about what it's like to participate in archaeological digs at Mount Vernon.
