Meet Newly Appointed Presidential Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky at Book Launch Event Featuring Her New Book on Washington’s Successor, John Adams
Mount Vernon, VA, August 28, 2024 – It’s a busy fall season at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, with multiple popular events and activities for runners, gardeners, shoppers, teachers, history buffs, whiskey aficionados, and families. Key highlights include The George Washington Patriot Run, the Colonial Market and Fair, a Fall Plant and Garden Sale, and George Washington Whiskey Tastings.
September also features an opportunity to meet Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Ph.D., the newly appointed Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, at a book launch event where she’ll discuss her newest book, Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic, This complimentary event also will include a reception and book signing.
Also, the Washington Presidential Library and More Perfect are partnering on a prestigious event, the Founding Debates. Leaders will explore how to revitalize democracy and advance the five key foundational democracy goals supported by More Perfect. Speakers include Danielle Allen, General Stanley McChrystal, and former Congressman Zach Wamp.
The Ninth Annual George Washington Patriot Run on September 8 promises an exciting day for participants with 5K and 10K race options along the scenic George Washington Parkway, featuring beautiful views of the Potomac River and Mount Vernon. This year’s event will be especially notable with Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, joining as a guest speaker. What better way to celebrate a patriot run than with a local patriot in attendance from America’s Warfighting Navy? After crossing the finish line, runners will enjoy the Finish Festival, featuring music, food (including freshly baked bread from Half Crown Bakehouse), beverage concessions, and a free beer for each participant. Commemorative t-shirts and medals engraved with George Washington's bust will be awarded to all runners.
Additional upcoming historical and fun activities at the expansive Mount Vernon estate in September include:
- Animals of Mount Vernon on August 31-September 1. Learn about the animals who would have lived on the estate during George Washington’s life and have the unique opportunity to meet some animals living at Mount Vernon today, including sheep, oxen, and horses. At the Spinning House, learn about transforming sheep’s wool into cloth and textile production. Explore canine life at Mount Vernon during a 1.25 mile walking tour of five historic locations, including the landmark West Gate. Bring your dog!
- Fall Plant and Garden Sale on September 7. Shop for seasonal color, heirloom plants, native perennials, trees, and shrubs. The exclusive General's Choice line features plants propagated from seeds or cuttings collected from plants growing on George Washington's estate. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Learn more.
- George Washington Whiskey Tastings on September 7, 14, 21 and 28. Enjoy a rare opportunity to taste Mount Vernon's one-of-a-kind distilled spirits made using 18th-century distilling methods and techniques, learn the history of George Washington's whiskey from Mount Vernon's Historic Trades team, and tour the Distillery & Gristmill. Learn more.
- Ninth Annual George Washington Patriot Run on September 8. This race offers 5K and 10K options along the scenic George Washington Parkway with views of the Potomac River and Mount Vernon. The Finish Festival offers music, food, beverage concessions, and a free beer for each runner. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal engraved with George Washington's bust. Learn more.
- Lunch at the Library on September 10. Join Jennifer London to discuss her new book, Profiles in Character: Sixteen Americans and the Traits that Defined Them. Learn more.
- Meet the New Presidential Library Executive Director at a book launch on September 12. Mount Vernon is thrilled to host an opportunity to meet Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, the new George Washington Presidential Library Executive Director. Dr. Chervinsky will discuss her latest book, Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic, followed by a reception and book signing.
- Colonial Market and Fair on September 14 and 15. Step back in time for food and wares by colonial artisans, theatrical entertainment, live music, and demonstrations; all included in the regular price of admission. Learn more.
- Sensory-Friendly Family Morning on September 21. Neurodivergent individuals and their families can enjoy a sensory-friendly morning and tour. Learn more.
- Textiles: Household Goods on September 21 and 22. Explore the intricate world of textiles and their use in the 18th century, including how colonial Americans sourced, crafted, and utilized textiles. Learn more.
- Fall Homeschool Day on September 23. Home school families are invited to learn about the 18th century by exploring the Farm at Mount Vernon. Learn more.
- Brown Bag Lunch of September 24. Learn about Library Fellow Sandra Patton-Imani's research project, Ann Fairfax Washington Lee: Race Gender, and Sex in 18th Century Virginia. Learn more.
- STEAM Teacher Workshop: 18th Century Medicine on September 24. Education staff and K-12 teachers from across the region will explore the many connections between STEAM and the history of George Washington's Mount Vernon. Learn more.
- Founding Debates on September 25. As America nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the Washington Presidential Library and More Perfect are assembling leaders to discuss their efforts to advance the five Democracy Goals and renew a more perfect union. Learn more.
- Textiles: Clothing on September 28 and 29. Discover how colonial Americans sourced, crafted, and utilized textiles, including homespun wool and linen and imported silks and dyes. Learn more.
Read the complete listing of Mount Vernon events here. Photos for usage are available here and should be credited to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Most Mount Vernon events are free or discounted for members. Information about Mount Vernon membership is available here.
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. Individual rooms will be taken off display as work progresses through the structure. The New Room is currently not on view, and the Education Center exhibit on George Washington’s life will be off display for an extensive rebuild from July 2024 to 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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