George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum team up for
annual month-long, money-saving mission
MOUNT VERNON, VA – This August, two of the region’s most popular attractions have teamed up once again to offer visitors and residents a way to save while saluting America’s first president and founding father of espionage: George Washington. Guests who visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum will be able to take advantage of Operation: George Washington and save 50 percent off the ticket purchase at their second destination.
“We are very pleased to partner with Mount Vernon to bring to life the intelligence successes of George Washington, often called the father of American Intelligence,” said Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former Senior CIA Officer. “One of our most cherished and oldest artifacts is a letter written by Washington in 1777, calling for the creation of a spy network in British-occupied New York City, so this partnership is a natural fit.”
To redeem the offer, guests must present their receipt for admission or ticket stub from one site when purchasing their ticket to the second site. Both Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum will honor receipts and tickets throughout the month of August.
In addition to Washington’s 1777 letter, the International Spy Museum houses several artifacts and exhibits whose rich storytelling illustrates the impact of intelligence successes and failures during the rise of American Intelligence. In commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, From Ballroom to Battlefield: A Spy’s Eye View of the Civil War uncovers untold tales such as why Confederate General Lee was “blind” at Gettysburg and how a marching band helped the Confederates fool a Union General. These stories and more vividly illustrate the role of spies and spycraft throughout the war. Civil War era spy tech, such as the 19th century hand-held mobile communications device, signal flags, and codes and cipher tools, are also featured.
“Travelers and local families are looking for good values this summer, and they are also looking for powerful, only-in-D.C. experiences. With Operation: George Washington, we are providing them with both”, said Rebecca Aloisi, vice president for marketing at Mount Vernon. “Plus, we are encouraging them to think about George Washington in a new way.”
In Mount Vernon’s Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, visitors intrigued by Washington’s espionage efforts can catch a special movie, George Washington: Spymaster. Created by the History Channel and told from the perspective of an 18th-century spy, the movie covers Washington’s innovative use of spies and espionage during the Revolution. It is shown in the doorway of a tavern’s façade, a popular place for spying during the war. Beyond the spy-focused film, visitors can take a special behind-the-scenes walking tour that spotlights the top-secret locations featured in the film, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” (additional fee applies).
###
