George Washington’s Mount Vernon is celebrating the completion of several phases of a $40 million revitalization project. In late November, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association reopened all first and second-floor rooms in the historic mansion for the first time since January 2024. Mount Vernon will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 10 to mark the milestone.
The multi-phased project focused on the long-term health and structural stability of the building. Visitors can now tour every room of the mansion at one of many events including Christmas Illuminations and Mount Vernon by Candlelight.
Notably, this renovation includes the reopening of the Washingtons’ bedchambers, which was “returned as closely as possible to its documented 1799 appearance,” according to a news release. The Central Passage, Little Parlor, and Old Chamber were all enhanced as well.
The privately funded project began in 2023 and is expected to be complete by September 2026. Goals of the revitalization include the installation of a new HVAC system, improving the drainage system, and repairing the framing from moisture and termite issues. The last phase of the project will include the restoration of Washington’s basement cellar to better maintain the structure’s foundation.
History Uncovered
The project revealed several archaeological surprises. In 2022, crews began to prepare for the expansion of an underground utility bunker in the North Grove part of the property. While excavating the area, the archaeology team discovered artifacts like pre-Colombian arrowhead and spear points, two coins from 1798 and 1817, and a variety of American and European 18th-century ceramics.
The project also included the revitalization of Washington’s bedchambers on the second floor of the mansion. During this restoration, the preservation team discovered an 18th-century fork behind a wall.
Similarly, archaeologists uncovered 35 glass bottles in Washington’s cellar. Twenty-nine of them were intact and sealed. The sealed bottles contained preserved cherries, gooseberries, and currants.
The restoration also included projects like refinishing the siding, the roof, and floorboards. The Central Passage, Little Parlor, and Old Chamber appearances were enhanced to appear closer to the mansion’s 18th-century roots.
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
