George Washington’s Mount Vernon

It is, of course, stating the obvious to say that George Washington is a pivotal figure in American history. A military leader and statesman who became the first president of the United States, Washington oversaw the birth of the U.S. Constitution and helped establish the basic structures of federal government. His legacy looms large in American national memory today. 

After serving two terms as president, Washington retired to his mansion and estate at Mount Vernon in northern Virginia, where he died in December 1799 at the very end of a century of tumultuous change. Since then, Mount Vernon has become an important historic site. A recent three-year, $40-million revitalization project — led by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, which owns and maintains the estate — has ensured the preservation of the mansion for generations to come.

Also coinciding with the completion of these works, in time for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, is a brand-new interactive exhibition. George Washington: A Revolutionary Life is located in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, part of the sprawling estate’s complex of visitor buildings. The exhibition explores Washington’s life history, from childhood to warrior and politician, and his later career as landowner, experimental farmer, and businessman. 

As well as more traditional gallery displays, the exhibition includes some major theatrical AV elements that immerse visitors, including a 4D Revolutionary War experience and a chance to participate in decision-making scenarios from the president’s lifetime. The exhibition narrative also addresses more controversial aspects of his life, giving voice to the life stories of enslaved people who labored on the Mount Vernon estate. 

In 2024, Goppion was delighted to be commissioned to participate in the project, with design and creation of 19 new display cases to house original objects from the life of the president. 

Our deliverables comprised a variety of wall-mounted, table, and standalone showcases, all custom-built with glass and metal, plus active climate controls with a centralized system. Internal lighting in each case is delivered via LED spotlights in the metal ceiling and via LED backlit panels. Some cases also have metal backs as robust supports to mount the artifacts.

The new showcases display key personal items, such as Washington’s sword, his clothing, paper documents, and books — all offering unique insights into his life and times. Also preserved for display are the late president’s famous dentures, which have been the subject of a long-standing myth, wrongly claiming they were made of wood. In fact, the dentures were made from a mixture of materials, including human and animal teeth, ivory, and various metal alloys. The teeth became stained and cracked over time, giving them a brown, wood‑like appearance to observers and later writers.

Visitors to Mount Vernon can now experience George Washington’s home as he knew it, but they can also take a deeper dive into his life and times when exploring the exhibition, separating history from the legend. The estate lives on, not just as an historic site but as an enduring symbol of national memory and a reminder of the values that built a nation.