Mount Vernon welcomes the beginning of fall with a September full of special events. An old-fashioned 18th - Century Craft Fair, massive Revolutionary War Encampment with 1,000 soldiers, historic visit from Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed, and special milling demonstrations at George Washington’s Gristmill promise to educate and entertain, while a meaningful Slave Commemoration Ceremony will inspire. The creator of the wildly popular Byers’ Choice Carolers makes a rare public appearance to sign her collectibles (no admission fee). All other events are included with regular admission to Mount Vernon.
Wheat Treading Demonstrations
July 4 - September 3, 2007
10:30 am - 3 pm
Pioneer Farmer Site
George Washington’s farm marks the beginning of the wheat harvest season July 4 with wheat-treading demonstrations at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. Costumed staff will lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. every day. Visitors can witness Washington’s innovative treading process, learning first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw. Included in admission to the estate.
18th-Century Craft Fair
September 15 - 16, 2007
9 am - 5 pm
The twelth annual 18th-Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon will feature dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun! Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings, paper-cuttings, furniture, and much more. The event also features lively 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, rat-catchers and gypsies, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite. This weekend only, Potomac River sightseeing cruises, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company, are free-of-charge at Mount Vernon's Wharf. Included in regular admission.
George Washington's Gristmill at Mount Vernon
April 1 - October 31, 2007
10am - 5pm
This event occurs daily
George Washington's Gristmill at Mount Vernon opens April 1. Visitors will get the opportunity to see an 18th-century water-powered mill in operation, discover how it works, and learn how this particular mill played an important role in George Washington's vision for America's future as "granary to the world."
Every first and third weekend of the month, visitors will get the opportunity to see millers work the automated milling system, an intricate system of pullies and levies which creates cornmeal out of corn. Colonial millers reveal Washington’s innovative approach to farming as they grind corn into meal and wheat into flour just as it was done more than 200 years ago.
Tickets to the Gristmill are available at Mount Vernon’s Main Gate or at the Gristmill Shop, and may be combined with admission to the Estate for an additional $2 for adults and $1.50 for children (6-11). Tickets for the Gristmill only are $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for Youth ages 6-11. The Gristmill is 3 miles from the Estate’s Main Gate on Route 235 South. Free parking is available at the site.
The Godspeed" Drops Anchor at Mount Vernon
September 20 - 22, 2007
9am - 5pm
Mount Vernon's Wharf
The Godspeed visits Mount Vernon from its home port at Jamestown Settlement as part of the 400th anniversary year of the founding of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony. The 88-foot re-creation presents the story of the voyage from England with periodic demonstrations of 17th-century piloting and navigation.
Included with admission to the estate.
Revolutionary War Encampment
September 29 - 30 2007
9am - 5pm
Revolutionary War reenactors from across the nation celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Continental Line. Soldiers camp in authentic tents, prepare meals, and demonstrate the drills and maneuvers used by General Washington's army. Musket and artillery demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and a variety of living history activities are featured throughout the weekend. Included with admission to the estate.
