Photo courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Check out the many events Mount Vernon has planned this year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Independence.
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is hosting a sweeping lineup of commemorative events, exhibitions and public programs. The lineup offers visitors and audiences nationwide opportunities to explore the ideas, people and debates that shaped the founding of the United States. Throughout the Semiquincentennial, Mount Vernon will serve as a central hub for national reflection, bringing history to life at the home of George Washington through immersive experiences, scholarly conversations and signature events designed to connect the past to the present.
Key new exhibits in 2026 include a state-of-the-art George Washington Education Center, the George Washington and a Nation of Farmers Exhibit, and the newly restored Washington Mansion, Mount Vernon’s birthday gifts to America.
Key events include George Washington’s Birthday Celebration, The Women’s Leadership Summit, Revolutionary War Weekend, an American Celebration, and Independence Day Fireworks, and the second triennial Democracy Symposium. More details are below and on the Mount Vernon web site. While on the web site, visitors are invited to take a George Washington Birthday Quiz. Completion of the quiz provides a special 20% discount code for general admission for six adult and youth admissions through December 31, 2026.
America’s 250 Programs and Events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon are detailed below:
- Mount Vernon’s 250th Birthday Gift to America, the newly restored Mansion, is now fully open at a pivotal moment for understanding the nation’s founding. There is no better place to explore America’s history than at the home of George Washington, where the ideas and decisions that shaped the nation were lived every day. A key highlight is the Washingtons’ Bedchamber, thoughtfully returned as closely as possible to its documented 1799 appearance thanks to groundbreaking research, conservation science, and expert craftsmanship. The appearance and interpretation of all Mansion rooms have been enhanced, including the Central Passage, the Little Parlor, and the Old Chamber. Learn more.
- Free Presidents’ Day Admission on Monday, Feb. 16. Mount Vernon will offer free admission in honor of George Washington’s Birthday (Observed), inviting the public to reflect on his leadership and legacy through a Presidential Tribute at Washington’s Tomb, an exclusive open house at the Presidential Library, Demonstrations by the 3rd Infantry Regiment Old Guard military and caisson detachment, fife and drum music of the Revolutionary era, textile demonstrations, the Patriots Path Revolutionary War encampment, and other immersive experiences marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Learn more.
- George Washington’s 294th Birthday Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22. Mount Vernon will honor George Washington with its signature birthday tribute, including a naturalization ceremony, live music with the Air Force String Quartet, story time and discovery stations for children. Learn more.
- Women’s Leadership Summit, March 4–6, 2026. A flagship America’s 250 convening featuring Doris Kearns Goodwin and other leading historians, journalists, and civic leaders to explore the vital role women have played in shaping American history, preserving democratic ideals, and defining the nation’s legacy at its 250th milestone. Learn more.
- New Mount Vernon Education Center Opening, Spring 2026. Mount Vernon will debut a new, fully interactive, state-of-the-art education center exhibition, George Washington: A Revolutionary Life, designed to immerse visitors in the life, leadership, and lasting contributions of George Washington. Through dynamic exhibitions, multimedia storytelling, and hands-on learning, the new center will deepen understanding of Washington’s role in shaping the nation and the enduring relevance of the founding era as America marks its 250th anniversary. Learn more.
- George Washington and a Nation of Farmers Exhibit, Spring 2026. Mount Vernon will debut a new 16-panel exhibition highlighting George Washington’s visionary role as the nation’s first farmer and the centrality of his agricultural innovations to the creation of the United States. Designed for communities nationwide and available free to download and display in schools, libraries, gardens, and historical venues, the exhibit combines compelling narrative and striking visuals to deepen understanding of Washington’s agricultural leadership and its legacy in shaping the American republic. Learn more.
- Revolutionary War Weekend, May 2-3, 2026. An immersive experience bringing the Revolutionary era to life through reenactments, military drills, encampments, and hands-on activities that illuminate the sacrifices, strategy, and spirit behind the fight for independence. Learn more.
- Independence Day Fireworks, July 3–4, 2026. A signature highlight of America’s 250th Birthday is a Fourth of July celebration at the home of the victorious Revolutionary War leader and first president of the United States, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Potomac River, set against the iconic backdrop of Mount Vernon and honoring the ideals and legacy of American independence. Learn more.
- An American Celebration, July 4, 2026. A festive, family-friendly 250 event celebrating the nation’s founding through live music, historical demonstrations, crafts, and interactive programming across the estate, highlighting the diverse stories and shared values that define the American experience. Learn more.
- Democracy Symposium, Nov. 5-7, 2026. As part of its America 250 programming, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon will host its second national Democracy Symposium, building on the success of the inaugural convening to bring together leading scholars, journalists, civic leaders, and public voices for timely conversations on the health of American democracy, the nation’s founding principles, and their relevance at the 250th anniversary milestone.
Mount Vernon is also pleased to offer the Virginia 250 Passport — a free, commemorative travel guide inviting guests to explore more than 70 historic sites across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Passport holders can collect unique stamps at participating destinations, access special discounts, and enter prize drawings designed to inspire discovery and engagement with Virginia’s rich heritage.
Guests can also take advantage of value pricing programs designed to keep the historic site accessible to all. Mount Vernon participates in the Visit Alexandria Key to the City Pass, which offers a deep discount to the estate. Plus, every Tuesday at the Mount Vernon Inn, children ages 12 and under receive a complimentary kid’s meal with every adult entrée.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill, as well as the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
