Americans can celebrate the nation’s birthday in a unique and meaningful way at George Washington’s Mount Vernon starting this month and running through Independence Day.
The celebration kicks off on June 24 and 25 as Mount Vernon hosts two patriotic evenings featuring fireworks over the historic Potomac River, along with musical performances courtesy of the Fifes & Drums of York Town and the National Concert Band. And for the first time, the Mansion will be lit in red, white and blue during the fireworks show. Guests also are invited to tour the Mansion and visit the blacksmith, attend a wreath laying at Washington’s Tomb, and watch ice cream making demonstrations.
On July Fourth, visitors can attend An American Celebration. This Independence Day celebration will feature opportunities for visitors to “meet” George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, observe a ceremony in which people from across the globe become U.S. citizens, and enjoy a musical performance by the National Concert Band. Guest also can watch the 18th-century baking process with Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse and sample fresh-baked bread.
“Independence Day is a time to reflect on the rich history of our nation while enjoying time with family and friends,” said Doug Bradburn, president and chief executive officer of Mount Vernon. “Mount Vernon is perhaps the best venue in America to experience our country’s past, present and future.”
“Only at Mount Vernon can guests meet America’s founding father as he inspects his troops, tour his home, walk the expansive grounds, and join a wreath laying at General Washington’s tomb. Another special component of Independence Day at Mount Vernon is celebrating the naturalization of our newest citizens who symbolize American’s future. We’ve structured the celebration so it has appeal to families, history buffs, and anyone seeking traditional American fun on Independence Day,” Bradburn said.
Throughout the month, guests also are invited to visit the newly-unveiled permanent exhibition, Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon. The exhibition traces the rich and complex history of Mount Vernon—not only the celebrated era of George and Martha Washington, but the lesser-known stories of the enslaved community, earlier and later generations of Washingtons, and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA), which has preserved the property since 1860.
The full schedule of events on June 24th and 25th is available here. The July 4th schedule is available here.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes a mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery and gristmill. It also includes the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.
