Summer days are well spent at the home of America’s first president, George Washington’s Mount Vernon. In addition to learning about the nation’s first First Family, visitors can commemorate Juneteenth, celebrate America’s birthday, participate in engaging book events, and learn about the Fairfax Resolves.
Images related to upcoming summer events and activities at Mount Vernon are available here and should be attributed to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
Located just outside of Washington, D.C., on the banks of the historic Potomac River, upcoming events and activities include:
- The annual dazzling Independence Day fireworks display, along with 18th-century music and entertainment on June 28 and 29. Tickets typically sell out early, so reserve soon. Learn more.
- An American Celebration on July 4. Celebrate the nation's independence at the home of the father of our country. During this patriotic event, visitors can enjoy made-for-daytime fireworks, observe a moving naturalization ceremony where people become U.S. citizens, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, watch military drills, listen to the National Concert Band, and engage with 18th-century character interpreters. Learn more.
- George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill is open for summer. Exclusive whiskey tastings will be offered on Saturdays in June from 2–5 p.m. Learn more. These fully functioning reconstructions of George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill are located just two miles from the estate’s main entrance. Tours are offered on weekends throurgh October and are included with a Mount Vernon grounds pass. Learn more.
- Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Days from June 19 to 22. In commemoration of Juneteenth, visitors can discover how the enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon expressed agency and resistance despite enslavement, as well as the important legacies they left behind. Learn more.
- Annual Martha Washington Lecture on June 20. Hear how Martha Washington and other First Ladies broke barriers and influenced American society, policy, diplomacy, and life. This event features Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith, authors of the new book, Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women. Learn more.
- Watch the 18th-century baking process with Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse on June 26–29 and July 5-7. Each loaf is baked in a reproduction clay oven and made of grains authentic to the period that, when possible, were ground at George Washington's Gristmill. Baked goods available for purchase until sold out. Learn more.
- Civic Season Kick-off: The Situation Room on June 30. Step back in time to 1790s Philadelphia for a historic roleplaying experience. During this 75-minute game, the actions will decide the fate of the young nation. Ticket also includes access to the Mount Vernon grounds. Learn more.
- Brown Bag Lunch featuring Library Fellow Lucy Smith on July 1. Bring lunch and learn about Smith's research project, The Atlantic Bite: Circulation, Economy, and the Meaning of Teeth in George Washington’s World. Learn more.
- John Trumbull Book Talk on July 10. Hear from historian Richard Brookhiser, author of Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull Painter of the American Revolution. He examines the complicated life and legacy of John Trumbull, whose paintings portrayed the struggle and the principles that distinguished America’s founding moment. Learn more.
- French Alliance Family Day on July 13. Learn about the role of the French Government, Army, and Navy in the role of American Victory during the American Revolution through hands-on activities and character interpretation. Learn more.
- The Origins of the Revolution: 250th Anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves on July 24 and 25. To mark the 250th anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves, a central document to the impending American Revolution co-authored by George Mason and George Washington, join historians for a two-day conference examining the origins and causes of the War for American Independence. Learn more.
Read the full listing of Mount Vernon events here. Most Mount Vernon events are free or discounted for members. Information about Mount Vernon membership is available here.
