Found on the Ground
Thursday, February 08, 2024
While processing artifacts recovered from the North Grove excavation (in preparation for the Mansion Revitalization Project), archaeological lab analysts made an interesting discovery: a piece of 18th-century window glass etched with a cursive "N," excavated about 15 feet northwest of the New Room's Venetian window. Notably, other signatures etc...
Read more
Ready, Set, Gown
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Staff and volunteers attempt to create a garment in two days. Can they stitch in time? Mount Vernon’s historical costumer, Kathrin Breitt Brown, and journeywoman mantua maker, Brooke Welborn of the Burnley & Trowbridge Co., created two 18th-century gowns during two “Gown in a Weekend” public events held in the spring of 2023. From draping and cu...
Read more
Christmas with the Washingtons
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
As it does every year, Mount Vernon’s team has brought some wintertime changes to the Mansion to mark the holiday season. Christmas was primarily a religious holiday in 18th-century Virginia, but then, as now, it was also a festive occasion marked by visits between friends and relatives, parties, and public assemblies. The Washingtons' holiday s...
Read more
Archaeology Rediscovers the “Old Necessary”
Monday, September 30, 2019
Mount Vernon archaeologists have relocated a Washington-era building while conducting an archaeological survey on the east lawn. In late May 1796, George Washington wrote from the presidential residence in Philadelphia to his farm manager at Mount Vernon, “I have several times spoke concerning a necessary for the Quarter People, at Mansion house...
Read more
A Teacher’s Perspective: Buckle Up! Engaging Today’s Learners with Primary Sources
Monday, August 19, 2019
By: Robbie Marsden Interacting with Washington’s OWN words from his OWN pen on his OWN property brought primary sources alive for me, and has now allowed me to bring them alive for my students. Looking back, prior to attending the George Washington Teacher Institute Residential Program (GWTI) at Mount Vernon, I had no idea how to teach primary s...
Read more
Dove of Peace Weathervane Restoration
Thursday, August 08, 2019
With the installation of the scaffolding on the cupola, Collections Conservator Linda Landry had the opportunity to examine the condition of the replica Dove of Peace weathervane. She determined that there was a considerable amount of rust and corrosion on the piece, particularly in areas where copper and iron meet. In a short amount of time, sh...
Read more
West Front Carpentry Work
Monday, July 08, 2019
Paint removal of the west front of the Mansion was completed on June 7. Since then, our team of preservation carpenters has been hard at work completing wood repairs on the top levels of the scaffolding. Luckily, the siding is in good condition, thanks in part to the sand-painted coating that has provided protection over the years. T...
Read more
George Washington's Dream Day
Friday, July 05, 2019
Have you ever wondered how George Washington would spend his dream day? Would he sleep in? Or maybe spending the afternoon reading on his piazza? An article from The Washington Post by Rachel Podnar asks the General how he would spend his day. "There is no place that I have ever wanted to be throughout the entirety of my adult life, rather than...
Read more
"50 Years of Love"
Friday, June 28, 2019
Visit George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill between July 3-10 and snap a picture with the "LOVEwork" sign, part of the Virginia is for Lovers Campain. The Distillery & Gristmill is included with Mount Vernon admission, or you can purchase a Distillery & Gristmill pass on-site for just $6. Tickets Watch the mighty gears turning and the stone...
Read more
Summer Changes in the Mansion
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
To celebrate the start of summer, the collections staff made some changes to the Mansion. The scenarios in the New Room, Dining Room, Washington Bedchamber, Butler’s Pantry, Kitchen, and Greenhouse Slave Quarters reveal this seasonal change. New Room A striking addition to the New Room remains “Nelly’s New Harpsichord.” This replica of the origi...
Read more