Mount Vernon’s collections teach us about George Washington and bring his home and plantation to life.
Since taking possession of George Washington’s estate in 1860, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has developed an exciting array of collections to better understand and interpret Washington and his life in 18th-century America.
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Learn more about the fascinating objects in Mount Vernon's collection.
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George Washington's Swords
As military weapons or fashionable accessories, swords were always at George Washington's side.
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From the Washington Library
Our library collection includes a rich resource of rare books and documents related to George Washington, his family, and life at Mount Vernon. In addition, the library is the repository for the archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
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Nelly's World
Learn more about Nelly's beloved harpsichord, paint box, and more from the Mount Vernon collection.
Learn MoreTop 10 Objects in Mount Vernon's Collection
Check out our list of the ten most significant objects in Mount Vernon's extensive collections.
The Material Culture of the Presidency
Rare artifacts and personal belongings from George Washington's presidency in Mount Vernon's collections offer a glimpse into his leadership, legacy, and the early days of the nation.
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The First Three Objects in the Collections
When the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the estate in the 19th century, the mansion was almost completely empty... with three priceless exceptions!
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Martha Washington's Needlework
An unusual example of Martha Washington’s needlework augmented our preeminent collection and further highlighted her often-overlooked artistic ability and creativity.
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Re-Creating Mount Vernon's Harpsichord
For over two and a half years John Watson, Conservator of Early Keyboard Instruments, worked to create a replica of Nelly Custis's 1793 Longman & Broderip 2-Manual Harpsichord.
More than Putting Objects on Display
Adam Erby, an associate curator at Mount Vernon, explores what it means to be a curator.
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Washington's Silver
Martha Washington's great-granddaughter buried her family heirlooms and avoided the destruction of valuable Washington objects during the Civil War.
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Turning Tables in the Mansion
Mount Vernon’s curatorial staff re-examines the question: What tables did the Washingtons display in the dining room?
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Washington's Military Equipment
A small selection of the most notable weapons, accoutrements, and gear that Washington used over the course of his long and distinguished career.
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Reconstructing Washington's Globe
President Washington ordered this globe from England shortly after being elected President of the United States in 1789.
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Rights and Reproductions
Learn more about how you can request and use images from Mount Vernon's collection.
Media Requests
Media representatives, films, newspapers, and magazines interested in obtaining images may contact our Director of Media Relations.