This holiday season George Washington’s Mount Vernon home will offer special extended Christmas season events now through the Epiphany on January 6th.
Themed decorations, a gingerbread Mount Vernon created by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and even a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas of 1787 add to the historic atmosphere.
The popular tradition continues on opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming “Mrs. Washington.” Schedules may vary for dancing and “Mrs. Washington.” Activities included with regular admission.
• Twelve festive Christmas trees grace Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center. Ranging in heights of up to 12 feet tall, the professionally decorated trees have themes relating to Mount Vernon, George Washington and the 18th century.
• Former White House Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier created from scratch a five-foot-wide and two-foot-tall gingerbread replica of the Mansion. The gingerbread version of the Mansion includes such intricate details as works of art on walls and marzipan George and Martha Washington figures.
• Traditional boughs of hand-cut greenery adorn doorways in the Mansion, which are staged with an elaborate course in the formal dining room. The Mansion’s rooms have been changed from their normal appearance to reflect the home preparing for overnight guests. Martha Washington’s “Great Cake” has center stage, and visitors may take home her original recipe calling for 40 eggs and a version that has been adapted for modern ovens – and appetites!
• Over 100 poinsettias grace hallways and other paths walked by visitors.
• The Shops at Mount Vernon include a large Christmas section, with dozens of ornaments, Byers’ Choice Carolers – including a George and Martha Washington! – snow globes, and wooden advent calendars.
This mansion has become one of my favorite destinations. And as I learn more about our nation’s first President, his home and plantation take on even more significance.
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 the 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 in to office.
During the holidays, when Americans across the country give thanks for blessings received during the year and exchange gifts, Mount Vernon, decked with decorated trees, holly and boughs, reminds us of one of America’s earliest blessings and a true national gift — an extraordinary first President.
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.
