Four Days of Events - Free Admission on Monday, February 19 and Thursday, February 22
President’s Day Weekend Celebration
February 17 and 18 (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. Take an unforgettable photo with props and #PoseLikeThePrez in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education lobby using the iconic Lansdowne portrait of Washington as a backdrop!
Take part in Mount Vernon’s 18th-century dancing demonstration with costumed characters! Watch moving wreathlaying ceremonies at the tomb of George Washington througout the day. This event is included in admission: adults, $20; children ages 6-11, $12; and children 5 and under are admitted free.
President’s Day Celebration – FREE Admission!
February 19 (Mon, 9 a.m. to 5 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 a.m. followed by Mount Vernon’s official celebration on the east lawn including a keynote speaker and 21-gun salute to the first president. Special
military demonstrations and patriotic music will take place on the Bowling Green at 11:15 a.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. Re-enactors gather with visitors to share selected stories with “George Washington” at 2 p.m. A wreathlaying at the tomb of George Washington takes place at 3 p.m. Visit the Washington Library for the rare opportunity to tour the reading room and examine replica documents. Learn more about the Library's collections and programming from its staff.
George Washington’s 286th Birthday – FREE ADMISSION
February 22, (Thurs, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Visit Mount Vernon on George Washington's actual birthday for special wreathlaying ceremonies throughout the day. Enjoy a patriotic concert and observe a moving ceremony honoring new citizens. Join “General Washington” for a slice of birthday cake (while supplies last)!
New at Mount Vernon for George Washington’s Birthday
Experience Be Washington: It’s Your Turn to Lead
Mount Vernon has opened a new first-person interactive experience titled Be Washington: It’s Your Turn to Lead in its Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. Through this special new $3 million offering, visitors will have a chance to put themselves in Washington’s boots and experience first-hand the leadership challenges that he faced on the battlefield and in the presidency. Inside the immersive 1,200-square-foot Be Washington theater, participants will take the role of George Washington as they seek to solve one of four crises that Washington faced. Chris Jackson, the actor who played George Washington in the Broadway hit “Hamilton”, will introduce each of the scenarios onscreen and will later describe the course of action that General or President Washington took. Be Washington is included in admission.
New Objects on View in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center
A new installation will highlight objects related to one of the Be Washington’s scenarios: the Newburgh conspiracy. A case will feature a 19th century painting by George Gunther Hartwick of Washington’s military headquarters in Newburgh.
This placid scene depicts George Washington’s former military headquarters in Newburgh, New York. Washington lived in the fieldstone farmhouse from April 1782 to August 1783.
Mount Vernon will display a pair of spectacles with a history of Washington ownership. While delivering an address to his officers to quell the Newburgh conspiracy, the general famously donned a pair of glasses and declared,” I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country.” According to eyewitnesses, this acknowledgement of shared sacrifice led many officers to weep openly.
New Revolutionary War 4-D Theater
The new theater features a brand new wide aspect ratio screen and a 4k resolution projection of the new movie. Many of the pre-existing 4D features have been enhanced to create an even more gripping experience. The new 9.2 channel surround sound audio system will make it seem like artillery shells are flying overhead while visitor seats vibrate and rumble with the explosions. The new 17-minute film focuses on Washington’s leadership and the pivotal campaigns that secured American independence. This experience is included in admission.
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