George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Celebrate Washington’s Birthday at His Birthplace!

Join us on February 22 for a day of history and fun as we honor George Washington’s 294th birthday.

Feel the warmth of the hearth, hear the ring of the anvil and tap your toes to live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Area. At 2 p.m., you're invited to enjoy cake and punch at a birthday party in the Log House, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at 3:30 p.m. with the James Monroe Chapter SAR and horse-mounted park rangers.

As America approaches its own 250th birthday, come celebrate our first president at his birthplace and create a memory you’ll cherish long after the candles are out.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to March 7.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the wonder of the cosmos during a special evening program, “The Star-Spangled Night Sky,” on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

This free, 90-minute event begins at 8 p.m. and features a 30-minute interpretive program that will explore how the stars have shaped the American story—from the symbolism of stars on the U.S. flag to America’s journey into space. Following the interpretive talk, park rangers will help visitors identify constellations and planets through a telescope. Visitors will also learn how they can help preserve natural dark sky environments in their community.

Standard park operations will continue during normal hours on the day of the event. If poor weather prevents stargazing, the program will be postponed to Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Join Dr. Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon for an engaging exploration of one of the earliest and most revealing debates in American history—the 1789 controversy over the president’s title. Drawing from her book For Fear of an Elective King, she will uncover why Congress and the public fiercely argued over whether George Washington should be addressed as “His Highness” or simply “President.” Her talk will highlight how this seemingly ceremonial question exposed deep anxieties about power and the fragility of the new republic.  Attendees will learn how Washington’s own choices shaped the presidency.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the wonder of the cosmos during a special evening program, “The Star-Spangled Night Sky,” on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

This free, 90-minute event begins at 7 p.m. and features a 30-minute interpretive program that will explore how the stars have shaped the American story—from the symbolism of stars on the U.S. flag to America’s journey into space.   Following the interpretive talk, park rangers will help visitors identify constellations, locate the Andromeda Galaxy, and observe Saturn through a telescope. Visitors will also learn how they can help preserve natural dark sky environments in their community.

 
Standard park operations will continue during normal hours on the day of the event. If poor weather prevents stargazing, the program will be postponed to Sunday, September 27, 2026. 

Join park rangers on October 24th for a free, family-friendly evening program titled Taken to the Grave. This special one-hour presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. near the Washington Family Burial Ground at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Glowing lanterns will illuminate the final resting place of Washington family members and shine light on mysteries that only they can solve. Taken to the Grave promises to be fun for all ages… and perhaps just a little spooky.  

To participate in this special program, visitors should meet no later than 6:15 p.m. in the Washington Family Burial Ground parking lot. Staff will be on hand to assist with parking.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument invites you to experience the warmth and wonder of colonial life during the holiday season with “Welcoming Winter: Rekindling Colonial Traditions” on Saturday, December 19, two days before the winter solstice. This festive event offers a full day of demonstrations to mark the beginning of winter.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Memorial Area will be abuzz with activity. Blacksmiths will fire up the forge, seasonal recipes will be cooked over an open hearth, and skilled textile artisans will weave on the loom.

Adding a touch of holiday fun, the Annual Holiday Ornament Hunt invites you to search the Memorial Area for hidden ornaments that reveal clues to a Christmas-themed riddle. Those who solve the riddle can return to the Visitor Center to receive a special seasonal gift. 

In the event of inclement weather, programming may be altered or canceled.