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

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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.