Presidents Day Proves Popular At Mount Vernon, Next Free Admission Day Set

MOUNT VERNON, VA — On Presidents Day, perhaps there is no better place to celebrate than the first president's own estate. George Washington's Mount Vernon held its first of two free admissions days Monday, and the next will be Wednesday on Washington's birthday.

On Monday, Mount Vernon visitors enjoyed free admission and special events such as a presidential wreath laying ceremony, demonstrations by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, music by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a naturalization ceremony, chances to meet General Washington, demonstrations of Washington’s favorite hoecake breakfast and more.

The next free admission day on Wednesday is slated to have more special events. Free admission tickets will be distributed on site. Timed mansion tickets will be distributed on site first come, first served.

"Sometimes George Washington is just seen as this marble figure or this static man on the dollar bill," said Doug Bradburn, president and CEO at George Washington's Mount Vernon. "He was a human being, and nowhere better could you understand that complex, interesting, fascinating, ambitious, beloved man than to come to Mount Vernon, his great autobiography."

U.S. celebrations of Washington's birthday started when he was still alive and continued after his death, according to Mount Vernon's website. Washington's birthday on Feb. 22 became a federal holiday in 1879 but transitioned into Presidents Day in the late 20th century, also recognizing President Abraham Lincoln's Feb. 12 birthday. While Presidents Day is now celebrated on the third Monday of February, places like George Washington's Mount Vernon still recognize Washington's birthday on Feb. 22.

Below is a full schedule of Wednesday's events on Washington's birthday:

• All day: Half Crown Bakehouse on the 12-Acre Field
• All day: Food Truck concessions on the 12-Acre Field
• 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Half Crown Bakehouse demonstrates how to make hoecakes, Washington's favorite breakfast
• 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Kids create birthday cards for George Washington
• 10:30 a.m.: Music of the Revolution on the Bowling Green
• 11 a.m.: Candidates from across the world become U.S. citizens during the Naturalization Ceremony
• 1:30 p.m.: Free sample of birthday cake in the Vaughan Lobby
• 2:00 p.m.: Character performance with General Washington in the Smith Auditorium
• 2:30 p.m.: United States Air Force Strings Concert in Smith Auditorium
• 2:30 p.m.: Music of the Revolution on the Bowling Green
• 3 p.m.: A game of Bowles with The General on the Bowling Green.

For those who cannot visit in person, various educational resources about George Washington and his estate are available at www.mountvernon.org.

If you can't visit but want to get a sense of Presidents Day at Washington's estate, take a look at photos below, courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.