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For Immediate Release George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens Launches New George Washington Encyclopedia Largest Online Encyclopedia Initiative Devoted to Nation's First President http://www.mountvernon.org/encyclopedia MOUNT VERNON, VA - George Washington's Mount Vernon launches a new online initiative designed to be the authoritative online resource for all things George Washington. The Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington is geared towards a diverse audience including teachers, students, independent researchers, and anyone with a burning question about George Washington's life! The encyclopedia allows users to explore more than 200 digital source materials and objects from George Washington's estate. This project was developed over the course of one year as an initiative of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, set to open fall 2013. The Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington can be accessed through Mount Vernon's website, http://www.mountvernon.org/encyclopedia "The Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington is an excellent opportunity to provide the public with engaging content on the life and legacy of Washington," the encyclopedia's editor, Adam D. Shprintzen, said in a release. "I have been truly fortunate to work with an impressive mix of both established and burgeoning scholars, and I look forward to growing the encyclopedia and its resources." The encyclopedia currently includes 300 entries, and Mount Vernon plans to double the number by the summer of 2013. Entries are written by a diverse mix of established and burgeoning scholars, as well as Mount Vernon staff and experts. Entries focus on Washington's life and experiences, while also covering the Mount Vernon estate, its history, and preservation. Objects, lithographs, letters, portraits, and other primary source material account for the digital primary sources are integrated throughout the encyclopedia. George Washington understood the value of a comprehensive encyclopedia. Washington was so enamored with the possibilities provided by an encyclopedia that he ordered two sets of Philadelphia printer Thomas Dobson's Encyclopedia, or A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Miscellaneous Literature. Mount Vernon's collection contains duplicate copies of this encyclopedia for his own personal library. The digital encyclopedia sets the stage for further ventures merging history and technology, a key focus of the library. The library is destined to be the first and only center for amassing and disseminating knowledge about America's most famous founding father Media Contact: Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203 [log in to unmask] ### Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.MountVernon.org Since 1860, more than 80 million visitors have made George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington's place in history as "First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen." Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, America's oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation's capital. Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November - February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] For information about joining ARLIS/NA see: http://www.arlisna.org/join.html Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to [log in to unmask] ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance: http://lsv.arlisna.org Questions may be addressed to list owner (Judy Dyki) at: [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~