
Photo courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Celebrate George Washington on Presidents Day at Mount Vernon.
Don't miss out on the many events coming our way to celebrate George Washington's Birthday and Presidents Day.
February features important “firsts” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. For the first time, visitors can view the unprecedented historic preservation work underway at Mount Vernon that will ensure its structural integrity for generations to come. For three days only – Feb. 17, 22, and 23 – the entire first floor will be open to the public to observe the preservation work in progress. Guests will hear from preservation and interpretive staff while walking through rooms normally closed to the public. Watch new C-SPAN coverage of the Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization Project.
Admission will be free on Feb. 17 for the mansion tours and the birthday celebrations. Additionally, The George Washington Presidential Library – typically only open to researchers – will host an Open House featuring expert presentations throughout the day and rare tours of the vaults containing President Washington’s original documents.
Another first in February is the first Northern Virginia stop of the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience at Mount Vernon on Feb. 21 and 22. This mobile museum brings the spirit of the American Revolution to communities across the Commonwealth through interactive exhibits, engaging storytelling, and innovative technology. The traveling museum showcases Virginia's vital role in the fight for independence and inspires future generations. Additional birthday celebrations include opportunities to meet General Washington, a Naturalization Ceremony, the U.S. Air Force String Quartet, Music of the Revolution, children’s story time, and concessions.
On Feb. 25, David Brooks, renowned author and commentator, will discuss his new book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Sponsored by More Perfect, this special event about the role of civility, honest conversations, and listening in politics will include a book signing and reception. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required to reserve a seat.
Below are additional events and activities at the expansive Mount Vernon estate in February.
- Indulge in a Chocolate Dinner on Feb. 7 or 8 at the historic Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, which includes four courses paired with three wines and one cordial. Learn more.
- Hear the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra play on Feb. 11 during a three-part concert series at Mount Vernon. Learn more.
- Celebrate Valentine's Day with afternoon tea at the historic Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant on Feb. 15 and 16. Learn more.
- George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball on Feb. 16. This special tradition celebrates the birth of George Washington with a black-tie gala. Gala supporters will enjoy a cocktail reception, a three-course seated dinner, a live auction, entertainment, dancing, and a birthday toast delivered to General Washington. Learn more.
- Commemorate George Washington’s Birthday with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mansion Revitalization Project. Birthday celebrations also will include a wreath-laying ceremony, tactical demonstration by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, musical demonstration by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a rare George Washington Presidential Library Open House, and more. Admission is free on Presidents Day, Feb. 17, and additional celebrations, including a Naturalization Ceremony for new citizens, are planned for Feb. 22. Learn more.
- VA250 Mobile Museum Experience on Feb. 21 - 22. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” this attraction brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to life and highlights every region in Virginia. Learn more.
- Lunch at the Library: From Trenton to Yorktown on Feb. 19. Hear from John R. Maass on his new book that identifies five decisive events that secured independence for the 13 colonies. Learn more.
- George Washington's Birthday in Your Classroom: A Virtual K-12 Program on Feb. 20. Mount Vernon’s Education Team provides an interactive program for students to learn more about George Washington's life and legacy. Learn more.
- Ford Evening Book Talk: David Brooks, How to Know a Person on Feb. 25. This talk, co-hosted by the George Washington's Presidential Library and More Perfect, will be a discussion with David Brooks about the role of civility, honest conversations, and listening in politics. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions and have their books signed. Learn more.
Please note that Mount Vernon has embarked upon a landmark Mansion Revitalization project. During visits, preservation teams are restoring the framing, masonry, drainage, and environmental controls of the Mansion, ensuring America’s first president’s home will be ready to receive millions of guests for generations to come. The Mansion will always remain open during this vital work, with individual rooms taken off display as work progresses. The Education Center exhibit on George Washington’s life will be off display for an extensive rebuild until Spring 2026. However, the expansive estate remains open to visitors, including the museum, more than a dozen historic buildings, the gardens and farm, and the Tomb.
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. It also includes the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.