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In addition to learning about the country’s history through educational programs or taking in local attractions, Fairfax County residents will be able to celebrate America 250 by partaking in specially crafted alcohol.

The county will unveil a series of unique craft beverages to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, starting this Sunday (April 19) with the launch of a pair of new wines developed by Fairfax County’s two wineries.


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After two years of renovations, the first and second floors of George and Martha Washington’s mansion at Mount Vernon reopened to visitors on Wednesday (Dec. 10).

The $40 million preservation project at the first president’s home included designing and installing a new HVAC system, major infrastructure repairs, and improving drainage in and around the mansion’s cellar, and Washington’s newly restored bedroom.


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A number of museums in Fairfax County are included in a new Virginia tourism campaign to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary next year.

Launched last week, the Virginia 250 Passport program includes the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, George Mason’s Gunston Hall, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the National Museum of the United States Army, and the Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House as part of a “passport” sweepstakes.


News

Emmy and Grammy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns unveiled his latest documentary series, “The American Revolution,” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate on Wednesday (Oct. 29).

The filmmaker spoke in a panel discussion before sharing an outdoor preview of the new six-part series, which features George Washington and his pivotal role in winning the Revolutionary War. Episodes will air on PBS at 8 p.m. nightly from Nov. 16 to 21.


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A crowd of 100 new citizens from 95 different countries was indeed pumped up Friday as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, an actor and former bodybuilder, delivered the keynote address at George Washington’s Mount Vernon during a Fourth of July naturalization ceremony.

Employees of the hallowed estate estimated about 1,000 attendees were on hand for the festivities, with members of the public joining media members and families of new citizens.


Around Town

The govenator is coming to Northern Virginia, and he’ll be here to welcome some of the nation’s newest citizens.

Former California governor and “Terminator” star Arnold Schwarzenegger will give the marquee address at a naturalization ceremony at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on the Fourth of July. Schwarzenegger will address over 100 newly sworn-in citizens at 10 a.m.


Around Town

Juneteenth is tomorrow (Thursday), marking the 160th anniversary of the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in the state.

While some festivities took place last weekend, including Vienna’s Liberty Amendments Month kick-off and Fairfax City’s celebration, Fairfax County will still play host to a number of events commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and showcasing the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans.


Around Town

The first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired in Concord, Massachusetts, 250 years ago this Saturday (April 19).

To commemorate the war’s 250th anniversary, there will be a variety of events around Fairfax County over the next few weeks, continuing a year-long, statewide VA 250 initiative.


News

Dean Norton, Mount Vernon’s Director of Horticulture and Livestock, will retire at the end of the year after an “extraordinary” 55-year career, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association announced this week.

Upon his retirement, Norton will receive the honorific title of Director of Horticulture and Livestock Emeritus, in recognition of his service to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. The association is also compiling an oral history which will become part of its permanent archives.


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