Hands-on History at the Mount Vernon Estate

Day one of my spring break did not go as planned. This is my week off from work and, because nothing is easy, my break does not coincide with my daughter’s school break.

I had grand plans of dropping her off at preschool everyday and using the hours from 9 a.m. to noon to catch up on my life. On the agenda: an emissions inspection, routine blood work from a physical last November, the use of an Elizabeth Arden gift certificate that I’ve been dreaming about since my birthday, and five days in a row of working out (for anyone keeping track, that hasn’t happened since 2005). While my colleagues were headed to warmer locations, I was looking forward to having some much needed time to catch my breath.

Enter a four year old with a fever of 102 and a cough that sounded like it could be a random virus or something more sinister. Sophia spent the better part of the weekend on the couch and woke up this morning without a fever but clearly in no condition for school. Rationalizing that her fever was gone, I decided to make the most of our unexpected day together.

First stop: emissions test. Next stop…Mount Vernon. If you have written off this historic landmark as For Tourists Only or Not Fun With Kids, think again! The Hands-on History room in the education center is one of the hidden gems in our area for children. Children ages three to eight are invited to explore a beautiful room appointed with historical dress up clothing, toys, books, crafts and coloring, a dollhouse replica of the estate (complete with dolls. moveable furniture and plenty of room for little hands), and regular story times on the weekends.

The Hands-on History exhibit is housed within the fully interactive Reynolds Museum and Education Center, which is also a treat for kids. Life-size replicas of George Washington and (perhaps even more thrilling for little ones) his horses abound.

Kids also will be drawn to the battle scenes and my four year old finds the general’s dentures particularly compelling. We have a season pass to Mount Vernon and the education center is one of my “go to” outings in inclement weather and when out of town guests are visiting.

We’ve probably visited half a dozen times in the last year but today was the first time Sophia actually toured the mansion. On weekends, there is often a line for the tour but we were able to walk right in this morning. It only takes about 20 minutes to make your way through the rooms, and I was surprised that the tour held Sophia’s attention. She even asked the docents a few questions!

The only upsetting part? When the tour made its way to George Washington’s master suite, the guide explained that we were looking at the site where George Washington died. Sophia’s eyes widened and she looked up at me and said, “He died, mommy?”

I find it remarkable that we talk about George Washington and “Ham” Lincoln all the time (we drive by his monument every morning on the way to school) and somehow this crucial detail has escaped her until now.

Other fun features of the estate for kids? Farm animals (baby llamas are there now), “characters” such as Martha Washington who make appearances, a tempting gift shop, a food court with pizza and ice cream, and lots of room to run their hearts out.