Things to See & Do: Museums, Galleries & Theaters

Visitors purchase their tickets and plan their visit at the Ford Orientation Center. Highlights include Mount Vernon in Miniature, an exact one-twelfth scale replica of the Mansion created by an international team of miniaturists, and "We Fight to Be Free," a must-see 18-minute action adventure movie included with admission.

"We Fight to Be Free" is an 18-minute action adventure movie shown daily in the Ford Orientation Center. The immersive Revolutionary War experience with flashing lights, rumble seats, and falling snow is one of the most popular attractions at Mount Vernon, shown in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center. Eleven additional films, produced by The History Channel, can be seen in the Education Center and Museum exhibits.

The Education Center features galleries and theater experiences that illuminate the detailed story of Washington's life history using interactive exhibits, movies, and life-size figures created from a forensic investigation! The facility also includes a dynamic hands-on history room for young visitors and a Teacher Resource Room for visiting teachers. A perfect fit for those looking for fun history exhibits in Washington, D.C.!

The state-of-the-art Museum features over 500 objects in six permanent galleries and a changing exhibition space. A refreshing and insightful look into the taste, style, and personalities of the Washingtons, the Museum showcases artifacts most closely associated with life at Mount Vernon, the Revolutionary War and presidency.

Co-sponsored by Mount Vernon and The Society of the Cincinnati , this exhibition features over 120 paintings, prints, personal artifacts, and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies. These objects-drawn from the collections of Mount Vernon, the Society, and almost 40 of the nation's foremost fine arts museums, historical societies, and private collections-offer an unprecedented look at Washington's leadership and character as commander-in-chief by bringing to life the relationships that formed between him and his generals as they fought for our nation's freedom. Through January 10, 2010.