Four Days of Events - Free Admission on Mondays February 15 and February 22
Presidents Day Weekend Celebration
February 13 and 14 (Sat and Sun, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
George Washington’s favorite breakfast was “hoecakes swimming in butter and honey.” Join “General Washington” for a sample of hoecakes prepared by Mount Vernon staff (while supplies last) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Following the breakfast sampler, visitors can mingle with costumed characters from George Washington’s world from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. New this year: #PoseLikeThePrez and take an unforgettable photo with props in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education lobby using the iconic Lansdowne portrait of Washington as a backdrop!
At 1:45 p.m. take part in Mount Vernon’s largest-ever 18th-century dancing demonstration with costumed characters on the Bowling Green! After the dancing ends, re-enactors gather with visitors to share selected stories with “George Washington” at 2 p.m. All weekend guests will be encouraged to create birthday greetings for George Washington which will be shared with “General Washington.” Free birthday cake (while supplies last) is available to guests from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the “General.” Wreathlaying ceremonies take place at the tomb of George Washington takes place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This event is included in admission: adults, $20; children ages 6-11, $10; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Presidents Day Celebration – FREE Admission!
February 15 (Mon, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by visiting his home and burial site FREE of charge on this day. New this year: #PoseLikeThePrez and take an unforgettable photo with props in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education lobby using the iconic Lansdowne portrait of Washington as a backdrop! The traditional wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's Tomb takes place at 10 a.m. followed by patriotic music and military performances on the Bowling Green at 11:15 a.m. Visitors can mingle with costumed characters from George Washington’s world from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes all day.
Listen to a special musical tribute for the first president from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. At 1:45 p.m. take part in Mount Vernon’s largest-ever 18th-century dancing demonstration with costumed characters on the Bowling Green! Re-enactors gather with visitors to share selected stories with “George Washington” at 2 p.m. All day guests will be encouraged to create birthday greetings for George Washington which will be on display and shared with “General Washington.” A wreathlaying at the tomb of George Washington takes place at 3 p.m.
George Washington’s 284th Birthday – FREE Admission!
February 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit Mount Vernon on George Washington's actual birthday for special wreathlaying ceremonies throughout the day and watch as newly naturalized Americans take the oath of citizenship. Be the first to get a sneak peek of the restored Nelly Custis Bedchamber, which will reopen in the Spring after months of conservation and restoration work. Join “General Washington” for birthday cake at 3 p.m.!
Special Collection of George Washington Swords
On View Beginning February 12
Just in time for Presidents Day, Mount Vernon will feature a special display reuniting two of the General’s surviving battle swords! Believed to have been carried by General Washington during the American Revolution, these two swords have not been seen together for more than 200 years. The earlier of the two swords, on loan from a private collection, features a fashionable silver lion-headed pommel and a spiral-cut grip made from animal bone. It was acquired by Washington in 1770 and carried by him during the early battles of the Revolution, including Boston, Long Island, and the famous crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night 1776.
The second sword is on loan from the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Made for Washington in 1778 or 1779, it features a distinctive hilt of green-stained ivory trimmed with silver tape. Carried by Washington during the later years of the American Revolution, this sword has long been celebrated as the General’s “battle sword.” It descended in the Washington family until 1843, when it was presented to Congress, for the American nation. Two of Washington’s dress swords from the Mount Vernon collection will also be on display.
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Note: This release has been updated to reflect a change in programming.
