Mt. Vernon recently announced that the mansion will be closed to the public starting early next year, for major structural restoration. Parts of the house are nearly 300 years old, the new part nearing 250 years, and it is a wood structure on a brick foundation. Work is needed. The gardens and grounds will remain open, I will continue to visit and walk.
It is a fabulous place for a nice walk. Washington was a man of his era, flawed the ways many of his day were, flawed in ways that all of us are, with our ideals not aligning with our practices.
The photo above is his study or office in the mansion. The desk/bookcase was his, purchased after he left the presidency.
We used to love to bicycle from our place in Georgetown to Mt Vernon through Rock Creek Park. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat is a long ride,
Delete17 miles each way but all through the park, so very pleasant.
DeleteMaybe your last President will be viewed by history as a man of his era, flawed?
ReplyDeleteFlawed is an understatement.
DeleteWhat a beautiful piece of furniture!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved those
DeleteGotta love that the "new" part is 250 years old!
ReplyDeleteGood on them for taking care of history.
A non-profit, that does a lot of good
DeleteThat's a beautiful desk. I haven't been to Mt. Vernon. I'll have to wait to see how long the restoration takes.
ReplyDeleteI have guest passes, if you are in the area.
DeleteI now wonder when they start using concert for foundation in houses.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on.
Interesting question, the Romans did it a long time ago. The rest of the world, not so.
DeleteSome day I hope to see this dreamy and enchanted place
ReplyDelete