Enjoy a Variety of Educational Programs at George Washington's Historic Home
Participate in Hands-On Activity Stations
Step into the debates of spring and summer 1776 by exploring multiple perspectives on independence through facilitated stations, primary sources and hands-on activities on the 12-acre field.
Explore historical perspectives from Patriots, Loyalists, and those whose futures were deeply affected by the decision to declare independence.
Make your own paper quill pen and pick up activities you can do at home (while supplies last).
Talk with archaeologists about the archaeological process at Mount Vernon and their recent discoveries.
Please note: while the farm will be open for visitation, it will not be staffed.
See 18th-Century Demonstrations: Spinning, Lacemaking, Blacksmithing & Gardening
Meet horticulturalists in the upper garden and participate in a seed sowing activity (while supplies last) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Watch 18th-century spinning and weaving in the spinning house, where enslaved and hired weavers made utilitarian wool and linen cloth.
Visit the blacksmith shop to learn about blacksmithing in the colonial era and what kinds of tools were made during George Washington's lifetime.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ford Orientation Center, see the Chesapeake Regional Lace Guild demonstrate and discuss the history of 18th-century lace making.
Visit General Washington & People From His World
Head to the Interpretive Center to watch character performances from George Washington and people who worked closely with him—Tobias Lear, the General's personal secretary, and Dr. James Craik, the General's physician.
- George Washington: 10 a.m.
- Dr. James Craik: 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
- Tobias Lear: 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Hear Revolutionary Perspectives From the General & King George III
Watch special performances from General George Washington and King George the III as they discuss their perspectives on the Revolutionary War in the Smith Auditorium.
- King George III: 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.- 3 p.m.
- George Washington: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet the Animals of Mount Vernon
In the historic area, 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. - 1:30 p.m.
- Sheep: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Listen to a Live Musical Performance & Storytime Reading
Hear our resident fifer and learn about the military music used during the American Revolution at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on the bowling green.
Join a special reading of I am George Washington by Brad Meltzer at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the bowling green.
Learning Materials
Prepare for your visit by reviewing a printable version of the Homeschool Day Learning Materials. These tools will be available 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.
More Information
For more information about visiting Mount Vernon, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
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.
Food will be available for purchase at the Food Court and Pavilion, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and the food truck inside the estate.