The Mount Vernon Presidents’ Day celebration drew thousands on Monday, with free admission and live history across the estate.
Organizers said visitors paid respects at Washington’s Tomb. They also watched Revolutionary War encampments and fife-and-drum performances.
Mount Vernon said families joined hands-on textile demonstrations and discovery stations. Living-history presentations ran across the grounds.
The program also featured military demonstrations by the Commander in Chief’s Guard. U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) took part, along with the Caisson Detachment, according to the release.
Visitors also toured the George Washington Presidential Library, Mount Vernon said. The release said the tours offered a look at original documents tied to Washington’s life and leadership.
Mount Vernon Presidents’ Day Celebration Spotlights Washington’s Original Clothing
A new exhibition formed the day’s centerpiece, Mount Vernon said.
The display features three original pieces of clothing worn by George Washington. The release lists a coat, waistcoat, and breeches.
Mount Vernon said it displayed the garments together for the first time ever. The release said the items appear in red, white, and blue, and it linked them to the Semiquincentennial.
Anne Neal Petri, regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, tied the day to upcoming national anniversaries.
“We also gather this year to celebrate 250 years of independence,” Petri said.
Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn told visitors the holiday event aimed to connect people to leadership and the rule of law.
“He stepped away, demonstrating that in America, leaders return to private life and power yields to the rule of law,” Bradburn said.
Lindsay Chervinsky, the library’s executive director, said access to the documents offered a rare experience for visitors during the America’s 250 period.
“To see George Washington’s own letters, documents, and papers up close is a rare and powerful experience,” Chervinsky said.
Mount Vernon said Monday’s turnout built anticipation for its Feb. 22 birthday celebration.
The release said that program will include a naturalization ceremony and live music by the Air Force String Quartet. It also lists story time, discovery stations, a hoecake demonstration with General Washington, a wreath laying at the tomb, and an appearance by Tobias Lear.
Mount Vernon framed the month’s events as part of its broader “America’s 250” push. The release also promoted a Virginia 250 Passport travel guide covering more than 70 historic sites.
Mount Vernon said the Mount Vernon Presidents’ Day celebration marked the start of a busy run-up to Feb. 22 events at the historic estate.
