Mount Vernon, VA – Children enter a world of fantasy and fables when costumed interpreters weave three tales together during Mount Vernon’s outdoor storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon”, held every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. through September 27 at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. During the 20-minute session, children learn Aesop’s fables, listen to stories about George Washington’s life, and watch as Mount Vernon’s livestock are incorporated into the stories! This program is recommended for children ages three to eight. Parental supervision is required. “Once Upon at Time at Mount Vernon” is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $13.00; youth ages 6-11, $6.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.

At the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, visitors can listen to a dramatic surround-sound interpretation in the 16-sided barn, enjoy a variety of 18th-century farming demonstrations, and watch rare-breed barn animals (oxen, mules, roosters, sheep, and chickens) similar to the varieties Washington had at his farms.  In addition to the storytelling, costumed staff will lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.  Through this process, visitors can witness Washington’s innovative treading process, learning first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw.

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Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America.  Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”  Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853.  A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. 

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular admission rates: adults, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE.  Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.