For Immediate Release
October 24, 2007
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – The Holidays at Mount Vernon gives visitors an enchanting glimpse of an early-American Christmas, Washington style. December 1, 2007 - January 6, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily, visitors can learn about Christmas traditions and see the Mansion prepared for the holidays. Exclusively during this time, the rarely-seen third floor will be open to the public. While touring the third floor of the Mansion, visitors can see the refurbished Martha Washington garret chamber, where Mrs. Washington resided following her husband’s death. An elaborately re-created dessert course will be displayed in the large dining room with the Washingtons’ famed “Great Cake” as the centerpiece of the feast. Free copies of the original “Great Cake” recipe and a version adapted to the 21st century will be available. This year from December 26, 2007 to January 6, 2008 visitors can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cider (while supplies last). The estate is open Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Holidays at Mount Vernon is included in regular estate admission: $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 6.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
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.
