** EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND
UNTIL SUN., AUG. 1**

Experience history in the making! Preview the Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon exhibition with the History Center's new 360-degree virtual tour. Click the play button below to begin:

Artifacts & Life-Like Figures

Behind-the-Scenes

Due to popular demand, the Senator John Heinz History Center is extending the world-premier of the Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon exhibition until Sun., Aug. 1.

The exhibit from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, which is made possible by the generous support of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and presented in Pittsburgh by PPG Industries, Inc., has attracted huge crowds at the History Center since its grand opening in February.

The exhibition reveals the personal side of Washington through a rich assortment of nearly 100 objects, including full-scale figures of Washington, architectural models, decorative and fine art items, maps, manuscripts, and paintings. 

Highlights include:

• An original set of Washington’s dentures, made of ivory, human teeth, and animal teeth.
• Several original works of art, including Gilbert Stuart’s classic Washington portrait.
• Three full-size, life-like figures of Washington based on the latest forensic research showing him:
  • As a teenaged, red-haired surveyor from Virginia just prior to the French & Indian War;
  • As a Revolutionary War hero atop his horse named Blueskin in a snow-covered forest at Valley Forge; and
  • During his official Presidential inauguration ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City, which also includes life-like figures of Robert L. Livingston and Samuel Otis.
• Decorative arts from the Washington family, including china and wine glasses along with a set of pewter plates.
• Survey equipment, including a compass used by Washington, along with 18th century firearms such as a 1720s cannon from Fort Ticonderoga.
• Five books from Washington’s personal library, complete with the signature of his ownership, that cover such topics as farming, botanical plants, and gristmills, along with his family Bible.
• Original pieces of Martha Washington’s jewelry.

The exhibition also features several interactive activities that will allow visitors to:

• Sit in a full-size replica of the Washington family pew from Pohick Church.
• Inspect large-scale 3-D models of Fort Necessity and the Mount Vernon estate.
• Watch one of eight videos, which help to uncover the latest forensic research on Washington, much of which has taken place at the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to the world-class artifacts, the exhibition uncovers Washington’s roles as an entrepreneur, farmer, and businessman who adapted new technologies to grow his business, such as the grist mill and the distillery.

Martha Washington, who brought prestige and sophistication to George in addition to her role as political advisor, is also discussed as is the deification of Washington and his legacy after death.