N.C. Museum of History Hosts Discover the Real George Washington From Mount Vernon

The N.C. Museum of History will host the traveling exhibition Discover the Real George Washington: New Views From Mount Vernon during its three-year national tour. Approximately 100 original objects associated with Washington will be on view in this exhibition from Sept. 10, 2010, through Jan. 21, 2011, in Raleigh. The N.C. Museum of History is the only venue in the Southeast on the exhibition’s tour.

“Although over a million people come to walk in Washington’s footsteps at Mount Vernon each year, we know that not everyone will have a chance to visit his home,” said Jim Rees, President of Mount Vernon. “We wanted to bring the fascinating story of Washington’s life to people around the country by showing a wide variety of compelling personal belongings and some intriguing elements from our new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.”

Discover the Real George Washington offers a new and refreshing perspective on our nation’s first president, his achievements, and his family and times. The exhibition reveals the real George Washington not only as a general and president, but as a young land surveyor, experimental farmer and savvy entrepreneur. Washington’s views on religion and slavery, and the influence of his wife, Martha, are also explored.

Highlights among the objects associated with Washington include:  

• the only surviving complete set of Washington’s famous dentures, made of ivory, human teeth and animal teeth;


• three life-size figures of Washington based on cutting-edge forensic research, showing him at different stages of his life: as a young surveyor, as commander in chief, and as our first president;


• Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of Washington, ca. 1798; 


• the family Bible from Washington’s personal library; and


• surveying equipment and maps used by Washington.

Visitors can see the only surviving complete set of George Washington’s dentures, ca. 1790-1799. Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

Mrs. Washington is represented by original jewelry, pieces of her china, silver, glassware, and reproductions of her gold wedding dress and purple satin slippers.

This seed pearl pin belonged to Martha Washington. Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

Discover the Real George Washington is presented in 11 sections, ranging from Washington’s youth to his final days. Engaging videos and a large 3D model of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens enhance the visitor experience, and computer touch screens encourage interactivity. The exhibition features a full-size, functional replica of Washington’s pew at Pohick Church and detailed scale models of Fort Necessity, a gristmill, and an innovative 16-sided treading barn.

An extensive selection of educational programs is offered throughout the exhibition run (details at ncmuseumofhistory.org), and children can enjoy hands-on activities in the museum lobby. A dedicated Web site (DiscoverGeorgeWashington.org) provides additional learning opportunities.

Washington and North Carolina
In addition, the N.C. Museum of History has produced an exhibition section about Washington’s ties to the state. This portion focuses on Washington’s experiences as a surveyor at the Great Dismal Swamp in 1763 and his 1791 presidential tour through North Carolina. 

 “We wanted to share with visitors a little-known story about Washington and his ownership of a unique piece of North Carolina land,” notes Dr. Jeanne Marie Warzeski, Curator of Colonial and Antebellum History at the N.C. Museum of History. “His venture in the Great Dismal Swamp offers insight into Washington’s business acumen, his practical skills as a surveyor, and his understanding of logistics and strategy.” Washington’s 1791 tour through the South as president brought him again to North Carolina. He slept in many places, some of which are still standing.

The museum has also produced a small lobby exhibit about Washington’s lifelong friendship with the Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman who came to the United States to support the cause of American independence. Lafayette later visited North Carolina as part during a much-celebrated tour of the United States. Visitors can view artifacts concerning Lafayette in the American Revolution, as well as memorabilia related to his 1825 visits to Fayetteville and Raleigh. 

Admission, Group Tours, and the Exhibition Shoppe
 Admission is free for ages 18 and under. The fee is $10 for ages 19 and up; $8 for senior citizens, active military personnel, students with an ID, and adult groups of 10 or more. More special rates and ticket information are available at ncmuseumofhistory.org or 919-807-7900. Tickets will be sold in the Museum Shop.

Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. To schedule tours for groups of 10 or more, call the Capital Area Visitor Center at 919-807-7950 or toll-free at 866-724-8687.

Visitors will want to check out the Exhibition Shoppe, featuring items related to Washington and the colonial period. Choose from a selection of books, gifts, jewelry and children’s toys.    

Discover the Real George Washington was organized by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

Local sponsorship is provided by NewsRadio 680 WPTF. Additional sponsors are the Museum of History Associates, The News & Observer, Northwestern Mutual, Mr. and Mrs. Everette C. Sherrill, and Triangle Business Journal. The Museum of History also received support from Mr. and Mrs. Alexander B. Andrews IV, Mrs. Thomas B. Battle, Golden Corral, Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of North Carolina, Gregory Poole Equipment Company, Mr. and Mrs. William F. Hamlin Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Hoch Jr., IBM, Mrs. Helen H. Laughery, Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, Harriett W. Procter, SunTrust, Fidelity Investments, First Citizens Bank, Hillsdale Fund, N.C. Society of the Cincinnati, and UNC-TV.

About Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
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. For more information, access www.MountVernon.org.

About the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded by the late media entrepreneur for whom it was named. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the Reynolds Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States. For more information, visit DWReynolds.org.

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