Photos courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Come meet "President Washington" Jan. 17-19.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as America’s first president on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. For this historic event, Washington wore a newly crafted American wool inaugural suit that was so much more than 18th-century formal attire: It was a statement of national identity and symbolized the new nation’s unity and self-sufficiency.
Rarely on public display because of its fragility, Mount Vernon is hosting a special public viewing of President Washington’s historic inaugural attire, along with multiple opportunities to engage with Mount Vernon experts to learn about the inaugural suit, discuss inaugurations and the presidency, and view 18th-century presidential documents typically available only to researchers.
Rare Public Display of George Washington’s Inaugural Suit and Curator Chats
Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
PowerPoint Presentation
George Washington's inaugural suit; it will be on display beginning Jan. 17 at Mount Vernon.
A rare and special viewing of the President Washington’s inaugural suit is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17 through Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center at Mount Vernon.
On Jan. 17 through 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET, President Washington will be at Mount Vernon to meet guests and share stories about his inauguration.
On Jan. 18 and 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon ET, Mount Vernon experts will engage with guests to offer unique insights about Washington’s inaugural suit, sword, presidential chair, and more.
There is no charge for Mount Vernon members to attend this special viewing, and it is included in the regular price of guest admission. Get tickets.
Presidential Transitions Lecture and Historic Document Viewing
At the George Washington Presidential Library, Lindsay M. Chervinsky will lead a compelling lecture on presidential precedents, the first presidential transition, rocky election moments, and what that history means for today. Guests will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit the Presidential Library and view some of Washington’s presidential documents, including a rare presidential pardon and manuscript invoice of items purchased for the executive mansion. These 18th century papers typically are available only to research scholars. The event is scheduled Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, from 12 noon – 3 p.m. ET. Get tickets.
The History of Inaugurations and The White House
Also, in commemoration of the first presidential inauguration, a prestigious panel of experts will convene at Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET to explore the history of presidential inaugurations, Washington, D.C., and The White House. The panelists will discuss the nation’s first presidential inauguration, Andrew Jackson’s inauguration, the shadow of the Civil War that hung over Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration, and Teddy Roosevelt’s sudden inauguration after the assassination of William McKinley. Speakers include:
- Lindsay M. Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library
- Matthew Costello, director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History at the White House Historical Association
- Susan Swain, Former CEO and president of C-SPAN
There is no charge for Mount Vernon members to attend this special event, and it is included in the regular price of guest admission. Get tickets.
President Washington’s Coat: A Symbol of American Unity and Self-Sufficiency for the New Nation
At the time of Washington’s inauguration, the Hartford Woolen Manufactory in Connecticut had just begun producing high-quality woolen fabric. Washington, intent on supporting American industry, went through a meticulous process to secure cloth that met his specifications in quality and color. With the help of Henry Knox, Washington’s close friend and former quartermaster then secretary of war, the fabric made its way from Connecticut to Mount Vernon just days before Washington was to depart for New York.
Once at Mount Vernon, it is believed that Washington’s indentured tailor, Cavan Boa, quickly fashioned the fabric into a suit that included a frock coat, waistcoat, and breeches. The completed suit conveyed Washington’s pride in American industry, and it sent a symbolic message of unity and self-sufficiency for the new nation.
After Washington’s death, the frock coat of the inaugural suit was passed down through generations, eventually finding its way to Mount Vernon in 1933. Years of study has revealed details about its color, fabric quality, and finishing touches. The suit’s color, known as “London Brown” in England, became “Congress Brown” in the United States, a rebranding that resonated with Washington’s intent to support American-made materials. Read more.
Washington First Inaugural Address: Humility, Duty, and Respect for the New Government
After taking the oath of office on the portico at Federal Hall in New York City before a cheering crowd, George Washington proceeded into the Senate chamber to deliver his first Inaugural Address. According to assembled members of Congress, Washington was visibly nervous, spoke in a surprisingly quiet voice, and maintained a serious, modest demeanor.
Historians believe President Washington’s first Inaugural Address was drafted by James Madison, and it contains elements that remained consistent throughout his presidency. Washington expressed a self-effacing caveat regarding his “own deficiencies,” a humble indication of his submission to the call of public duty when “summoned by my Country,” and a rationalistic determination that "the foundations of our national policy” must “be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality” by its elected officials given the “indissoluble union between virtue and happiness." Read more.
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.
