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Find out more about Ben: Ben is a lifelong resident of the Washington, D.C., area who knows what this town has to offer. He will provide you with information and reviews of everything tourism related that's worthwhile in D.C. Ben can be contacted at examinerben(at)gmail(dot)com |
The kind people at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, have sent me their schedule of events for the entire year. Of note to people now is the 20 percent discount tourists will receive during January. I'm a huge fan of Mount Vernon and have been waiting for quite some time to go back. I'd imagine a 20 percent discount might entice some of you to return, or maybe even visit for the first time.
All activities and exhibitions – including 25 new galleries and theater experiences – are included in regular admission: $15 for adults; $7 for youth ages 6-11; and free for children five and younger with the exception of the “Mrs. Washington’s” performance (FREE) and the National Treasure Tour ($5 addition to admission). The ticket prices listed are before the discount.
2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January Inaugural Events at Mount Vernon
Historic Mount Vernon, the home of the first president, welcomes Inauguration visitors in January with 20% off adult admission. Visitors must print the coupon from Mount Vernon's website: http://Visit.MountVernon.org. Take the oath of office in the new interactive Inaugural Gallery while gazing up at a life-size model of George Washington, one of three created from a forensic science investigation. See the nation's very first Inaugural buttons worn by supporters of Washington that feature such patriotic phrases as “Long Live the President!” Tour an exhibition of the finest collection of presidential china outside of the White House; "Setting the President's Table: American Presidential China" from the Philadelphia Museum of Art is open through January 21.
“Inauguration” is the theme for Mount Vernon’s January storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon”, held every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. throughout the month at the Hands-On History room in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center. During the 20-minute session, children will learn about General Washington’s dramatic journey to New York for the country’s first inauguration! The storytelling program is recommended for children ages three to eight. Parental supervision is required.
Mount Vernon will be offering a special edition of its popular National Treasure Tour, from January 14 to January 23 at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. The National Treasure Tour combines Hollywood and history, giving visitors stories about the filming and also information on how the locations were used during George Washington's time. This special tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot and costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission.
January is also the 250th wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington, and on display January 12 through February 23 are Mrs. Washington's wedding slippers, which have not been exhibited at Mount Vernon in over 30 years and due to their fragile condition will not be on display for many years to come. “Mrs. Washington” will recount her happiest days of marriage during a special free performance in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium every Saturday and Sunday in January at 2:00 p.m.
All activities and exhibitions – including 25 new galleries and theater experiences – are included in regular admission: $15 for adults; $7 for youth ages 6-11; and free for children five and younger with the exception of the “Mrs. Washington’s” performance (FREE) and the National Treasure Tour ($5 addition to admission).
Black History Month, "Slave Life at Mount Vernon"
February 1 – 29
Slave Life Interpretation: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wreathlaying at the Slave Memorial: Daily, 12:00 p.m.
First person interpretation at the Slave Cabin: 9:30 am to 12:30 p.m., Saturdays & Sunday only
Greenhouse first-person presentation: 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays only
In observance of Black History Month, Mount Vernon interpreters highlight at the slave quarters the lives and contributions of the slaves who built and operated the plantation home of George and Martha Washington. A wreathlaying and presentation occurs daily at the Slave Memorial site at 12:00 p.m. throughout the month of February. On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month, visitors learn about life as a slave with Silla and Slammin’ Joe, two of Washington’s slaves, at the recently-opened slave cabin. Other enslaved first-person interpreters such as General Washington’s valet Billy Lee and Charlotte, Mrs. Washington’s seamstress, present their perspective on life at Mount Vernon, Saturdays & Sundays in the greenhouse at 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Black History Month activities are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Breakfast with George Washington & America’s Smallest Hometown Parade February 14 and 15 (Sat and Sun, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
George Washington’s favorite breakfast was “hoecakes swimming in butter and honey.” Join “General Washington” for a sample of this meal (while supplies last) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Following the breakfast sample, families can participate in America’s Smallest Hometown Parade at 1:30 p.m., complete with fife and drum corps, 18th-century music, and farm animals. Breakfast with George Washington & America’s Smallest Hometown Parade is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
George Washington’s 277th Birthday Celebration February 16 (Mon, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by visiting his home and burial site FREE-of-charge on this day. The traditional wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's Tomb takes place at 10:00 a.m., followed by patriotic music and military performances on the Bowling Green. America’s Smallest Hometown Parade lines up at 1:30 p.m. with its fife and drum corps, 18th-century music, and farm animals. “General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes.
“George Washington and His Generals” Exhibition Opens February 21 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Beginning February 21, Historic Mount Vernon’s F.M. Kirby Gallery in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum hosts a special new exhibition, George Washington & His Generals. For the first time, a collection of over 120 paintings, personal artifacts and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies who served under George Washington will be on display. George Washington and His Generals exhibition is co-sponsored by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and The Society of the Cincinnati and will remain on view through January 10, 2010. Admission to the F.M. Kirby Gallery is included with regular admission: $15 for adults; $7 for children, five and under are free.
George Washington’s 277th Birthday February 22 (Sun, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Anyone named George, or whose birthday, like Washington’s, is February 22, is admitted FREE upon presenting identification.
Seasonal Opening: National Treasure Tour, George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, Guided Walking Tours, Tribute at the Tomb, and Sightseeing Cruises
April 1 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
April 1 marks the seasonal opening of George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill and the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. Potomac River sightseeing cruises, free walking tours on slave life and gardens and landscapes, and a daily tribute at the tomb of George and Martha Washington also begins on April 1. The popular National Treasure Tour, a special tour that combines history and Hollywood, will be offered four-times daily. The spring activities are included in Estate admission with the exception of the Distillery & Gristmill, sightseeing cruises, and National Treasure Tour, which require an additional fee. Visit http://Visit.MountVernon.org for additional information about cruise schedules.
Early Opening April 1 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens begins its summer schedule on April 1 by welcoming visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it one of the few early-opening attractions in the Washington, D.C. area. Summer hours are in effect through August 31.
Wagon Rides at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site April (Fri-Sun only, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
Throughout the month of April, Mount Vernon offers free wagons rides to visitors! Visit the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the month of April from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to ride in a wagon pulled by Mount Vernon's livestock. Wagon Rides at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Gardening Days April 11 – May 10 (Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Spectacular gardens are in bloom as Mount Vernon hosts its annual outdoor garden and gift sale including ornamentals, perennials and annuals, garden items, books, and heirloom plants propagated from historic cuttings. No admission is required to shop in the Gardening Days tent (located in front of the Mount Vernon Inn Complex).
Sheep-Shearing Demonstrations May (Fri-Sun only, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
During the month of May, Mount Vernon's sheep receive a haircut Friday through Sunday! Visit the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to watch the sheep-shearing. Sheep-Shearing Demonstrations are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Mount Vernon’s Spring Garden Party May 9 and 10 (Sat and Sun, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Mount Vernon welcomes warmer weather with a festive Spring Garden Party! Wagon rides through Washington’s orchard and charming early-American musicians in the upper and lower gardens are just some of the “favors” at the Spring Garden Party. New this year: special heritage gardening seminars and tours will be held on the estate. In honor of Mother’s Day, Mrs. Washington presents a special program, “The Mother of Her Country Speaks to Motherhood.” Mrs. Washington takes guests back in time to the late 18th century to share her insights on being mother to her children, grandchildren and her country. Visiting mothers have an opportunity to take a photograph with Mrs. Washington and receive a free seed packet (while supplies last). Visitors may also purchase heirloom plants and garden items at the annual garden and gift sale, which runs through May 10. Mount Vernon’s Spring Garden Party is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour May 15, 16 and 17 (Fri, Sat, and Sun, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour celebrates the history of wine in Virginia with candlelit tours of the Mansion, including the basement where Washington stored his wine, and live jazz on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River. Guests sample wines from 16 Virginia wineries, learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s wine endeavors, and meet “George and Martha Washington” on the Mansion's piazza. Concessions by the Mount Vernon Inn are available for purchase. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for this popular event. Tickets are $30 and sales begin April 15 at Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center or at http://Visit.MountVernon.org.
Naturalization Ceremony May 18 (Mon, 10:00 a.m.)
Mount Vernon partners with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a special immigration and naturalization ceremony during which 50 individuals officially receive American citizenship. This unique and patriotic program, featuring distinguished guests and music, is held annually at Mount Vernon. The program also includes musical performances by the Marine Band. The Naturalization Ceremony is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Martha Washington's 277th Birthday June 2 (Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Anyone named Martha or whose birthday is June 2 is admitted FREE upon presenting identification.
Meet the Father of Our Country June 21 (Sun, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Mount Vernon invites visitors to spend Father’s Day with the Father of Our County! General Washington greets visitors and pose for photographs on Father’s Day, June 15. Washington also discusses his role as husband, stepfather, and Father of Our Country in the program “Father to the First Family” in the Little Theater. With a purchased ticket to Mount Vernon, fathers visiting the estate receive complimentary admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the estate on Route 235 South. Meet the Father of Our Country is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free. Admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-11. Children under 5 are admitted free.
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon July 4 (Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Historic Mount Vernon, the home of our first commander-in-chief who led American troops to victory in the country’s fight for independence, celebrates George Washington’s contribution to America’s freedom on July 4th with its annual event An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. The day features costumed military reenactments, the annual Red, White, and Blue Concert, a special wreathlaying ceremony at Washington’s tomb, free “Happy Birthday, America!” cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from the first first couple, “General and Mrs. Washington”. An American Celebration at Mount Vernon is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Wheat Treading Demonstrations July 4 - October 18 (Daily, 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m)
July has always been a time of celebration at George Washington’s farm as it marks the beginning of the wheat harvest season. To celebrate Washington the farmer, Mount Vernon’s farm staff kick-off the season on the Fourth of July with wheat-treading demonstrations at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. Costumed staff lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Visitors witness Washington’s innovative treading process and learn first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw. Wheat Treading Demonstrations are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
18th-Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon September 19 and 20 (Sat and Sun, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
The annual 18th-Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun! Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings, paper-cuttings, furniture, and much more. The event also features lively 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite. This weekend only, Potomac River sightseeing cruises, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company, are free-of-charge. The 18th-Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Slave Memorial Commemoration Ceremony September 26 (Sat, 11:00 a.m.)
Black Women United for Action and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association join in commemorating the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon with a wreathlaying ceremony and musical presentation at the Slave Memorial. This event features dramatic readings and uplifting music presented to reflect, remember and recognize the slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions to the early formation of this nation. The Slave Memorial Commemoration Ceremony is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour October 2, 3, and 4 (Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Enjoy live blues and spectacular views of the Potomac River while sampling wine from 16 Virginia wineries. Visitors learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s wine endeavors, enjoy live blues music, and meet “George and Martha Washington” on the Mansion's piazza. Guests experience an evening tour of George Washington's home and are invited to visit the rarely-open basement where he stored his wine. Tickets to the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour tickets are $30 per person. Ticket sales begin September 5 at the Ford Orientation Center or at http://Visit.MountVernon.org.
Fall Harvest Family Days October 17 and 18 (Sat and Sun, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days, October 17 and 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, bee keeping demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price. Fall Harvest Family Days are included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill are free this weekend with Estate admission.
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans November 11 (Wed, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel. Honored guests are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb where the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution present a wreathlaying ceremony in honor of our nation's veterans. Special activities include a free patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers in the Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium at 11:00 a.m. Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight November 27, 28, and 29; December 4, 5, and 6; December 11, 12, and 13 (Fri, Sat, and Sun, 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
Mrs. Washington hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours! Lantern-lit lanes, hot cider, and ginger cookies recall the charm of days gone by, while caroling around a roaring fire and early-American music bring merry melody to the holiday season. During Mount Vernon by Candlelight, visitors can tour the first and second floors of the Mansion. This is the only time of the year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours. Ticket sales begin November 1 at Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center or online at MountVernon.org. The Shops, normally open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, are open until 9:30 p.m. during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. No admission is required to shop.
Christmas at Mount Vernon December 1, 2008 - January 6, 2009 (Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
We're joyfully decking the halls for Christmas at Mount Vernon, a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Exciting additions include a dozen themed Christmas trees, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing!
The popular tradition continues on opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming "Mrs. Washington." Schedules may vary for "Mrs. Washington." Christmas at Mount Vernon is included in regular Estate admission: $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 6.
For more of my inauguration stories, check out the list below.
Special Report: Inauguration Day 2009
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