Photo by Robert Creamer, courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, Virginia — With the September opening of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, Mount Vernon’s vast collection of George Washington’s books, manuscripts and archival materials is organized, conserved and made available for the first time.
The multifaceted, 45,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will disseminate knowledge about Washington to a wide range of audiences using cutting-edge technology.
The National Library houses more than 15,000 items including 2,500 rare 18th- and 19th-century books; 87 books that were owned by Washington; and 500 letters, ledgers and account books that bear Washington’s writing or signature. It is on a 15-acre site within walking distance of Washington’s home.
A modest residence for visiting scholars, authors and interns was constructed next to the National
Library.
