David Brooks Visits Mount Vernon to Discuss New Book and Role of Civility and Listening in America
Mount Vernon, VA, February 4, 2025 – February features important “firsts” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. For the first time, visitors can view the unprecedented historic preservation work underway at Mount Vernon that will ensure its structural integrity for generations to come. For three days only – February 17, 22, and 23 – the entire first floor will be open to the public to observe the preservation work in progress. Guests will hear from preservation and interpretive staff while walking through rooms normally closed to the public. Watch new C-SPAN coverage of the Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization Project.
Admission will be free on February 17 for the mansion tours and the birthday celebrations. Additionally, The George Washington Presidential Library – typically only open to researchers – will host an Open House featuring expert presentations throughout the day and rare tours of the vaults containing President Washington’s original documents.
Another first in February is the first Northern Virginia stop of the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience at Mount Vernon on February 21 and 22. This mobile museum brings the spirit of the American Revolution to communities across the Commonwealth through interactive exhibits, engaging storytelling, and innovative technology. The traveling museum showcases Virginia's vital role in the fight for independence and inspires future generations. Additional birthday celebrations include opportunities to meet General Washington, a Naturalization Ceremony, the U.S. Air Force String Quartet, Music of the Revolution, children’s story time, and concessions.
On February 25th, David Brooks, renowned author and commentator, will discuss his new book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Sponsored by More Perfect, this special event about the role of civility, honest conversations, and listening in politics will include a book signing and reception. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required to reserve a seat.
Below are additional events and activities at the expansive Mount Vernon estate in February. Related photos for usage are available here, with attribution to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
- Indulge in a Chocolate Dinner on February 7 or 8 at the historic Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, which includes four courses paired with three wines and one cordial. Learn more.
- Hear the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra play on February 11 during a three-part concert series at Mount Vernon. Learn more.
- Celebrate Valentine's Day with afternoon tea at the historic Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant on February 15 and 16. Learn more.
- George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball on February 16. This special tradition celebrates the birth of George Washington with a black-tie gala. Gala supporters will enjoy a cocktail reception, a three-course seated dinner, a live auction, entertainment, dancing, and a birthday toast delivered to General Washington. Learn more.
- Commemorate George Washington’s Birthday with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mansion Revitalization Project. Birthday celebrations also will include a wreath-laying ceremony, tactical demonstration by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, musical demonstration by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a rare George Washington Presidential Library Open House, and more. Admission is free on Presidents Day, February 17, and additional celebrations, including a Naturalization Ceremony for new citizens, are planned for February 22. Learn more.
- VA250 Mobile Museum Experience on February 21 - 22. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” this attraction brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to life and highlights every region in Virginia. Learn more.
- Lunch at the Library: From Trenton to Yorktown on February 19. Hear from John R. Maass on his new book that identifies five decisive events that secured independence for the 13 colonies. Learn more.
- George Washington's Birthday in Your Classroom: A Virtual K-12 Program on February 20. Mount Vernon’s Education Team provides an interactive program for students to learn more about George Washington's life and legacy. Learn more.
- Ford Evening Book Talk: David Brooks, How to Know a Person on February 25. This talk, co-hosted by the George Washington's Presidential Library and More Perfect, will be a discussion with David Brooks about the role of civility, honest conversations, and listening in politics. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions and have their books signed. Learn more.
Please note that Mount Vernon has embarked upon a landmark Mansion Revitalization project. During visits, preservation teams are restoring the framing, masonry, drainage, and environmental controls of the Mansion, ensuring America’s first president’s home will be ready to receive millions of guests for generations to come. The Mansion will always remain open during this vital work, with individual rooms taken off display as work progresses. The Education Center exhibit on George Washington’s life will be off display for an extensive rebuild until Spring 2026. However, the expansive estate remains open to visitors, including the museum, more than a dozen historic buildings, the gardens and farm, and the Tomb.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill. It also includes the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
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