Sisterhood Spotlight

You’ve led Mount Vernon with such vision and passion. What has it meant to you personally to steward the home of our first President and to preserve such a vital piece of American history?

It is such an honor to serve as the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA), as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Since 1858, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) has owned and operated George Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon. We vigorously pursue our two-fold mission: to protect, preserve and restore Mount Vernon and to educate the world about the character and leadership of George Washington in order to inspire future generations.

There is something so special about walking in Washington’s footsteps. I never tire of visiting the estate, enjoying the home, the collections, the landscape and the extraordinarily diverse experiences one can have. George Washington considered Mount Vernon “the most pleasantly situated estate in all America.” I couldn’t agree more!

Mount Vernon is not only a historic site but also a place of learning and inspiration. How do you see its role in helping the next generation understand leadership, sacrifice, and the founding ideals of our nation?

Washington was born into a world of monarchs and absolute power. By the time he had died, he had helped to establish a new governing order – one that believed in civilian rule, the peaceful transition of power, and government by and for the people. This was TRULY revolutionary. And we are all the beneficiaries of Washington’s vision, hard work, and sacrifice.

We love to tell George Washington’s story at Mount Vernon because he set an unmatched example of leadership and character. We honor Washington for imagining a great republic that could secure the blessings of liberty and seek a more perfect Union.

We showcase Washington’s humility and strength – walking away from power and establishing the rule of law. We honor him for creating the office of the Presidency and modeling selfless leadership for all generations. And we are grateful to Washington for recognizing that the power of our country lies in informed and engaged citizens.

It wasn't so long ago that every classroom in America featured a portrait of George Washington, and every American could identify the subject of Lighthorse Harry Lee's words: "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen." But recent surveys indicate that students know very little about American history or why George Washington matters.

That’s why all of us at George Washington’s Mount Vernon are dedicated to telling the story of the indispensable founder. As historian James Thomas Flexner relates, Washington was for twenty-four years (from his election as commander in chief to his death) the most conspicuous and influential man in the United States. For seventeen of those years, comprising the war, the Constitutional Convention, and the Presidency, he was from day to day actively engaged in great events.

When he wasn’t engaged in those “great events,” he was engaged in scientific agriculture, breeding the American mule, designing Mount Vernon, experimenting with plants, and so much more.

Knowing Washington is central to knowing ourselves and understanding why the United States is a great nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to a “more perfect union.” His life and career set a singular standard of leadership and character.

As we look ahead to America’s 250th celebration in 2026, how is Mount Vernon preparing to engage Virginians and visitors from across the nation in this milestone moment?

Mount Vernon is celebrating this milestone moment with our “Birthday Gift to the Nation.” What do I mean?

In anticipation of America 250, we have been engaged over the last three years in the LARGEST preservation project in our history: revitalization of George Washington’s beloved home. We all know what it’s like to maintain our own home! You can imagine what it is like to protect and preserve a 250-year-old house that receives nearly a million visitors a year. But that is what we have done!

By 2026, we invite everyone to come visit Washington’s house where the exterior, interior and foundations have been restored. Visitors will be in for some wonderful surprises. They will be able to see Washington’s Bedchamber which, based on recent research, will include vibrant wallpaper! They will see the Old Chamber, a beautifully restored guest room on the lower level. They’ll be able to stand on the piazza and see the view of the Potomac that Washington saw. In late 2026, we’ll open up the cellar – the location of 35 bottles of miraculously-preserved cherries, gooseberries and currants that were found in 2024, thanks to our archaeological team.

In 2026, we are also opening a new and immersive Education Center exhibit about George Washington -- “George Washington: A Revolutionary Life.” There, we showcase Washington’s exciting life and the qualities that made him our first and greatest president: ambition, ingenuity, honor, wisdom, vision, perseverance and humility.

Visitors can get a selfie with George Washington -- and see his dentures. They can learn more about the life of the enslaved at Mount Vernon both here and through our exhibit “Lives Bound Together.” They can read the will where Washington freed his slaves. They can learn more about Washington’s advocacy of religious freedom. They can see, first-hand, how remarkably inventive he was -- ranging from the design of the 16-sided barn to his experimentation with manure and composting, and the design of Mount Vernon itself.
For 26 years, we have sponsored Teacher Institutes which bring teachers from across the country to learn more about George Washington and colonial America. To mark the semiquincentennial, we are expanding the program to reach all 50 states. We are taking our Teacher Institutes on the road so that more teachers and students can benefit.

Of course, we have also taken great care to preserve Washingtons’ final resting place, where visitors can lay a wreath – in a most moving ceremony. https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/tribute-at-the-tomb

In 2026, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a MUST-SEE.

For families, educators, and communities who want to connect with our nation’s founding story leading up to the 250th, what resources or opportunities would you recommend they explore through Mount Vernon?

In 2026, we are inviting ALL VIRGINIANS – indeed all Americans -- to visit George Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon.
Throughout this landmark anniversary, we have planned an exciting array of activities for everyone. I hope everyone will mark their calendars now for a year filled with historic experiences.

About Petri

Under Petri’s leadership, the MVLA will undertake strategic planning to prepare for two milestone celebrations: the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and George Washington’s 300th birthday in 2032. Petri will also be at the helm for the completion of the historic Mansion Revitalization Project and the extensive refresh of Mount Vernon’s Education Center, both of which will ensure George Washington’s Mount Vernon continues to inspire and educate future generations about the nation’s first president.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Petri graduated from Harvard College with an A.B. in American History and Literature and received her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Throughout her distinguished career, Petri has served as general counsel for the National Endowment for the Humanities, co-founder and president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, and president of the Garden Club of America. She currently serves as President and CEO of the Olmsted Network where she led the Olmsted Bicentennial celebration.

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MOUNT VERNON’S GIFT TO THE NATION
Feb 1 Come see George Washington’s Mansion – REVITALIZED!
Feb 22 George Washington’s 294th Birthday!
March 1 Visit Mount Vernon’s new food court and pavilion
March 15 Education Center Opening: George Washington: A Revolutionary Life
May 2-3 Revolutionary War Weekend
June 14 Flag Day
July 3 Independence Fireworks (Evening)
July 4 An American Celebration throughout the estate; Naturalization Ceremony &
Visit from General Washington; Independence Fireworks (Evening)
August 8 Purple Heart Celebration
Sept. 1 Mansion Cellar Opens
Nov. 11 Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans

Of course, we have a vast array of digital resources (mountvernon.org/250) as well. Our website is chock-a-block with information including the George Washington Encyclopedia, quizzes, events, online lectures, and more. Of course, to mark America 250, we hope that everyone will become a member at Mount Vernon and take advantage of all these resources – on the estate and from home.
You can learn more here: mountvernon.org/membership

Thank you so much for this opportunity to share the exciting efforts underway!