Foodways: Farm to Table at George Washington's Mount Vernon
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 08/11/2024
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Gardens and Landscape Tour
11 a.m.
Come take a walk through the General’s garden and see the founding flowers and plants that recreate Washington’s 18th-century landscape and gardens.
Dining with the Washingtons Tour
1 p.m.
Explore how the people who lived at Mount Vernon in the 18th century dined on a tour that takes you to the gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the Mansion’s kitchen. Discover how food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. You'll leave this specialty tour knowing the Washingtons’ favorite recipes, what hired and enslaved servants at Mount Vernon ate, and why Martha Washington wasn’t a fan of Vulcan, Washington’s French hound.
From Hoecakes to Great Cakes
Visit the Kitchen at Mount Vernon and discover what it took to prepare a meal at Mount Vernon. History Interpreters will highlight the work of enslaved cooks like Doll, Hercules, and Lucy and discuss the origin of various ingredients needed to prepare meals for the Washingtons.
What's for Dinner?
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., 12-acre field
Watch foodways demonstrations on the 12-acre field exploring 18th-century recipes. You’ll learn about dishes that were common on the Washingtons’ table, as well as those favored by the enslaved population at Mount Vernon. You’ll also learn about the seasonality of foods at Mount Vernon.
You Butter Believe It
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ice House
Head to Mount Vernon’s ice house to learn about dairying at Mount Vernon. Interpreters will explain how the Washington’s were able to enjoy ice cream in the summer and demonstrate how to make this sweet treat. They’ll also share details on other dairying activities, like churning butter, and provide guests with hands-on experience.
Food at Mount Vernon
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., 12-acre field
Learn about the foods consumed at Mount Vernon and where they came from and participate in a special scavenger hunt for families.
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