Rain Update for 9/25
Homeschool Day happens rain or shine. However, due to forecasted weather, locations of certain activities have changed. Activity stations will now be spread out through the Orientation Center Lobby, the Donald B. Reynolds Museum Lobby, and Vaughn Lobby. Updated maps will be available at the Welcome Table in the Orientatoin Center.
Homeschool Day Activities
The Mansion
Please note: in order to go inside the Mansion, you must reserve timed entry tickets when purchasing your Homeschool Day Ticket.
- The Mansion is currently under restoration with limited access. For more information on our restoration efforts, click here.
- If you would like to take a virtual tour of the Mansion, Mount Vernon staff will be giving them in the Smith Theater in the Ford Orientation Center until 2:00p.m.
- The New Room will be closed.
Activity Stations (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.):
- Visit with Mount Vernon educators to learn about what the Thirteen Colonies faced in 1774 and George Washington's experience at the First Continental Congress.
- Pick up materials for projects you can do at home (while supplies last).
- Learn about 18th-century foodways from Mount Vernon Trades staff.
- Talk with Mount Vernon archaeologists about the archaeological process and their recent discoveries.
Please note: while the farm will be open for visitation, it will not be staffed. All trades activities will take place in the Historic Area and on the 12-Acre field.
Special Guests:
Gunston Hall:
250 years ago, George Mason and George Washington co-wrote the Fairfax Resolves, an important step in the road to revolution. Join Gunston Hall for special activities exploring what this document said and why it mattered.
The mission of Gunston Hall is to stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.
The Office of Historic Alexandria:
Visit the Office of Historic Alexandria to learn about the impact of the Fairfax Resolves and the First Continental Congress on the city of Alexandria.
The Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA), a department of the City of Alexandria, is charged with the conservation and interpretation of the rich and complex historic of Alexandria. OHA strives to understand and educate about this past as we as a community look to the future.
In the Greenhouse:
- Hear our resident fifer and learn about the military music used during the American Revolution at 10:30a.m. and 2:30p.m.
In the Historic Area:
- Watch 18th-century spinning and weaving in the Spinning House, where enslaved and hired weavers made utilitarian wool and linen cloth.
- Visit the Blacksmith shop while they create amazing works
- Delicious food will be made all day long.
- 23rd: Roasted Chicken, Fried Onions with Parmesan Cheese, Akara, and Chocolate Biscuits
- 25th: Ice Cream Demonstrations (Vaughn Lobby)
Learning Materials
Prepare for your visit by reviewing a printable version of the Homeschool Day Learning Materials. These tools will be available prior to the program.
Learn more about themes relating to different aspects of George Washington’s life and the enslaved people who worked and lived on his five farms.
- George Washington the Farmer
- George Washington and the Revolutionary War
- The Timeline of the Coercive Acts of 1774
- The Coercive Acts
- Lives Bound Together
- Enslaved People at Mount Vernon
- 18th Century Farming
- Teaching with Place Lesson Plan
Extend the learning at home by visiting the Online Activities for Kids webpage.
More Information
For more information about visiting Mount Vernon, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Please note: Outside food and drink other than bottled water are prohibited on the estate. If you would like to bring bagged lunches, tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Shops at Mount Vernon.
Food will be available for purchase at the food court, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and the food truck inside the estate.