Mount Vernon Announces Grand Opening Date for New Library

George Washington Library Designed to Reach Millions

MOUNT VERNON, Va., Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The grand opening date for Mount Vernon's latest venture, The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington (the Library), has been set for September 27, 2013.  A $100 million campaign was created by George Washington's Mount Vernon to establish this stunning, state-of-the-art facility at the picturesque and historic estate. The multi-faceted facility will aggressively disseminate knowledge about Washington to a wide range of audiences, using cutting-edge technology and various approaches to grow Mount Vernon's national network of George Washington experts and enthusiasts.  

"No president in American history deserves the honor of an official library more than our first chief executive – nor is there a better story to tell," said Curt Viebranz, Mount Vernon president.  "This Library will share Washington's leadership lessons for generations to come."

For the first time, Mount Vernon's special collection of books, manuscripts, and archival materials will be organized, conserved and made available to researchers in the 45,000-square-foot Library. Destined to be a George Washington 'think tank,' this long-overdue initiative will maintain Washington's importance and relevance in a fast-changing world, when his standards of leadership are needed more than ever.

In addition to safeguarding Washington's books and manuscripts, the Library will serve as a scholarly retreat, a center for educational outreach programs, and a go-to source for seminars and training programs with a special focus on Washington's leadership. Visiting scholars, authors, and interns will have the option to stay in a 6,000-square-foot residence, located next to the Library. Mount Vernon's inaugural class of fellows has been selected and will be in residence this fall.

Out of all of the founding fathers, Washington gets the least amount of credit for his intellectual attainments. Though he lacked a college education, he was far more well-read than his active life would lead us to expect or than his contemporaries acknowledged.  The library he designed was filled with almost 1300 titles on a variety of subjects, revealing his wide-ranging curiosity about the world. Whether laying out his gardens, leading an army and a nation, or building and furnishing his beloved Mount Vernon, Washington's public and private accomplishments were a direct outgrowth of his critical reading and experimental trials. His ability to communicate effectively and with tremendous frequency is undeniable – he probably penned close to 20,000 letters!

Washington commented to friend James McHenry two years before his death that: "I have not houses to build, except one, which I must erect for the accommodation and security of my military, civil and private papers, which are voluminous and may be interesting." - George Washington, April 3, 1797.

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, the group that owns and operates Mount Vernon, does not accept federal funding.  The funds used to construct and program the Library are privately raised. The campaign to construct the Library was fueled by a $38 million contribution by the Las Vegas-based Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and other generous donors. The Library is named in honor of foundation's longtime chairman, Fred W. Smith. To donate to the Library campaign, please visit Donate.MountVernon.org.

Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.MountVernon.org

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & 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. 

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular admission rates: adults, $17.00; senior citizens, $16.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $8.00; and children under age 5, FREE.  Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.

SOURCE Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens