Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Mount Vernon has big plans to celebrate the 4th of July, America's 250th anniversary.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, George Washington’s Mount Vernoninvites visitors to experience one of the nation’s most memorable America 250 celebrations at the home of the Commander in Chief of the American Revolution and the first president of the United States.
Visitors can commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial at Mount Vernon with Revolutionary War encampments, a meaningful naturalization ceremony, readings of the Declaration of Independence, military drills, patriotic music, family activities, spectacular fireworks over the Potomac River, and special programming with “George Washington” and people from his world that brings the founding era to life. The events offer a uniquely authentic and festive way to celebrate the nation’s milestone anniversary while avoiding the traffic, congestion, and crowds expected in downtown Washington, D.C.
"George Washington understood that the success of the American experiment would depend on an informed and engaged citizenry," said Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D., president and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. "As we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, Mount Vernon serves as both a place of celebration and learning. Our visitors gain a deeper understanding of the founding generation and the enduring responsibilities of citizenship with hands-on exploration of our new Education Center, the Mansion, and immersive exhibits. There is no more fitting place to celebrate America's birthday than the home of the indispensable man who helped create our nation."
JULY 4: AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION
Celebrate America's birthday with a once in a lifetime festive day of patriotic activities, live music, historical demonstrations, Revolutionary War encampments, and family-friendly entertainment across the estate. Visitors can also witness a moving naturalization ceremony welcoming new U.S. citizens before enjoying fireworks over the Potomac River.
EXPERIENCE AMERICA'S FOUNDING STORY FIRSTHAND
Visitors celebrating America's 250th anniversary at Mount Vernon can experience the recently opened George Washington: A Revolutionary Life exhibition, the centerpiece of Mount Vernon's new $20 million Education Center. The transformed Education Center features nine galleries, immersive media experiences, hands-on learning opportunities, rare artifacts, original documents, and interactive exhibits that provide the most comprehensive exploration of George Washington's life and legacy ever presented at Mount Vernon.
Visitors also can tour the recently restored Mansion, stroll the estate's historic gardens and grounds overlooking the Potomac River, visit the working farm, distillery and gristmill, and experience the places where Washington lived, led, and helped shape the nation.
EASIER THAN EVER TO VISIT
To help visitors enjoy the holiday festivities without the hassle of navigating regional traffic, Mount Vernon has extended its popular shuttle service from the King Street Metro Station through July. The approximately 20-minute ride offers scenic views along the Potomac River and delivers guests directly to the estate, providing a convenient alternative to driving into crowded Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. Shuttle tickets may be purchased online in advance.
TAKE HOME A PIECE OF AMERICA'S 250TH
Guests looking to commemorate America's milestone anniversary can browse exclusive America 250 merchandise available at The Shops at Mount Vernon. Special offerings include commemorative ornaments, apparel, collectible coins, patriotic gifts, books, glassware, and unique products inspired by George Washington and the founding era.
Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged for upcoming events.
More information about Mount Vernon’s America’s 250 programming is available at www.mountvernon.org/250. Mount Vernon is 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.
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. Learn more at www.mountvernon.org.
