Presidents Day
The Story of How George and Martha Washingtons' Mount Vernon Home Was Saved From Ruin
Today, Mount Vernon stands as a monument to the very idea of historical preservation. With upwards of a million annual guests, it is one of the most visited and best-known historical sites in the country. It is home to a sprawling ground, including a very old whiskey distillery (fun fact: towards the end of the 1700s, George Washington himself was the young country's largest producer of the spirit).
After Washington died in 1799, Mount Vernon fell into disrepair. The Mount Vernon estate would not exist today if it were not for the efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Founded in 1853, it was the first preservation group in America. This short film explores the history behind these amazing women who saved one of Americas most important landmarks. To learn more, click on the You Tube video below to view a nicely done presentation on this interesting and important story in the preservation of America's founding father and the "first" first lady Martha Washington's 's iconic homestead.
After Washington died in 1799, Mount Vernon fell into disrepair. The Mount Vernon estate would not exist today if it were not for the efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Founded in 1853, it was the first preservation group in America. This short film explores the history behind these amazing women who saved one of Americas most important landmarks. To learn more, click on the You Tube video below to view a nicely done presentation on this interesting and important story in the preservation of America's founding father and the "first" first lady Martha Washington's 's iconic homestead.
If interested in full details on Martha Washington's life, click on the hot button link below.
Tour of Mount Vernon - Narrated by George Washington
George Washington's Whiskey Distillery
Who Was Our "First" First Lady Martha Washington?
This is the story of Martha Washington, the worthiest of partners to the worthiest of men. Elizabeth Keaney, a character interpreter at Mount Vernon, shares the life of the woman she portrays
George Washingtons' Last Years
Photos of Washington D.C. Monuments & Memorials
by Duane Lempke - Photographer,
Retired Army Colonel
Mr. Lempke is well known for his artistic ability to capture the personalities of Washington DC memorials, monuments, and buildings. Washington DC is the home of many of our presidents and certainly the seat of power known the world over but it is its architecture that the city is best known for. Mr. Lempke clearly captures the beauty of Washington in a dramatic way through his photography.
Given we are celebrating Presidents Day, GLVFA is proud to present to its members some of Mr. Lempke's photography of Washington DC for your review.
Retired Army Colonel
Mr. Lempke is well known for his artistic ability to capture the personalities of Washington DC memorials, monuments, and buildings. Washington DC is the home of many of our presidents and certainly the seat of power known the world over but it is its architecture that the city is best known for. Mr. Lempke clearly captures the beauty of Washington in a dramatic way through his photography.
Given we are celebrating Presidents Day, GLVFA is proud to present to its members some of Mr. Lempke's photography of Washington DC for your review.
Presidents who did not
live in the White House
Did You Know?
- While President George Washington selected the site and approved the design, he never actually lived in the White House— he ended his service as chief executive in 1797 and died in 1799, one year before the seat of the federal government moved from Philadelphia to the city named in his honor. Washington lived in executive residences in New York and Philadelphia, and his successor John Adams also lived at the President’s House in Philadelphia.
- While the White House was nearing completion, President Adams temporarily lived at Tunnicliff's City Hotel near the U.S. Capitol. He later moved into the Executive Mansion on November 1, 1800.