Two buildings currently under construction are set to revolutionize the visitor experience at George Washingtons historic estate. The Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center are the major components of a $95 million campaign by George Washingtons Mount Vernon to restore The Father of His Country to his rightful place of honor and distinction in America. The state-of-the-art buildings will shed light on different chapters of Washingtons life including early adulthood, military leadership, and his presidency. The new facilities will open by the end of 2006.

All of our visitors will benefit from these exciting new buildings, but groups will be especially affected with a new ticket entrance and visitor amenities designed just for them, said Stephanie Brown, associate director for Public Affairs. And with so much more to see indoors, we anticipate that even more tour operators will make Mount Vernon a must-see, whether its a cold snowy day or 100 degrees outside.

Mount Vernon features an 18-minute movie reenacting the defining moment of the Revolutionary War Washington crossing the Delaware River. The movie reintroduces visitors to Washington and the events that defined his leadership and character. The movie, included with admission, will be presented at the Ford Orientation Center in rotation in two adjacent theaters with total seating for 450 viewers.

After seeing the movie, guests can engage in interactive galleries and media displays, including short films produced by The History Channel and different multi-sensory experiences. Three life-sized models created by a team of artists and forensic and computer experts will depict Washington at three significant stages of his life, including as a land-surveying teenager.

In the museum, hundreds of objects will be on display in six permanent galleries and one changing exhibition space. Visitors will view furnishings, china, silver, clothing, jewelry, Revolutionary War artifacts, rare books and manuscripts, and other personal effects of the Washington family. Many of these treasures will be exhibited at Mount Vernon for the first time in the new museum, which will be five times larger than the Estates current exhibition space.