Just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Mount Vernon stands as one of the nation’s archetypical Presidendial sites — the home of George Washington, our exceptional first President and Commander-in-Chief. The plantation has created a special series of programs to celebrate Inauguration Day 2009.
Take the oath of office, yourself, in the new interactive Inaugural Gallery while gazing up at a life-size model of George Washington, one of three created from a forensic science investigation. See the nation’s very first Inaugural buttons worn by supporters of Washington that feature such patriotic phrases as “Long Live the President!” Tour an exhibition of the finest collection of presidential china outside of the White House; “Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China” from the Philadelphia Museum of Art is open through January 21.
“Inauguration” is the theme for Mount Vernon’s January storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon,” held every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. throughout the month at the Hands-On History room in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center. Storytelling is recommended for children ages three to eight. Parental supervision is required.
Just in time for the Inauguration, Mount Vernon is bringing back the popular National Treasure Tour for a limited time, from January 14 to January 25 at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
The mansion has an entire “National Treasure Tour” where visitors can take an hour-long walking tour that includes behind-the-scenes information about areas where “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” filming took place and how these locations were used during George Washington’s time, including the basement! The National Treasure Tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot and costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission. These popular tours sell out quickly and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan ahead!
January 6 marks the 250th wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington. On display January 12 – February 23 in the museum are Mrs. Washington’s wedding slippers, which have not been exhibited at Mount Vernon in over 30 years, and pieces of her wedding gown. Due to their fragile condition, these treasures will not be on display for many years to come. “Mrs. Washington” will recount her happiest days of marriage during a special free performance in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium every Saturday and Sunday in January at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Whether visiting during the inauguration or any time of the year, Mount Vernon is one of the best places in the United States to get a feel for the struggle that led to American independence and the formation of our current democratic form of government.
The recent construction of the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center has added a dramatic new educational element to the experience. The display rooms are actually underground beneath the grassy field seen through the Ford Orientation Center’s sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows.
The “museum” portion is a traditional display of artifacts associated with life at Mount Vernon, the Revolutionary War and the presidency. Space is set aside for special exhibitions — American Presidential China has been on display for most of this year.
The “Education Center” is the heart and soul of this building. Original videos, innovative theaters, interactive rooms for children, maps and wax models recreate Washington’s exceptional life. Plan at least an hour or more in this center — the videos telling Washington’s life are exceptional. Early-morning fog rolls across the theater screen, your seats shake as cannons roar and snow falls as Washington leads the Continental Army across the Delaware on Christmas Eve sending shivers down your spine.
In an attempt to visualize George Washington, forensic scientists and computer imaging specialists analyzed paintings, sculptures, dentures and clothing of our first President. This data was combined with aging programming to create accurate figures of Washington as a 19-year-old man surveying land, a 45-year-old General astride his white horse and 57-year-old President being sworn into office. (It is this representation that is used for the Inauguration Exhibit and swearing in program.)
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
