The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) is excited to present another entry in our Archives Neighbors blog series. SCRC has recently had the opportunity to visit with some of our neighbor archives in the Northern Virginia-D.C. Metro area. In this series, we’re recapping these new connections with members of our local archival community, providing insights into the lessons we learned, and highlighting some of our favorite experiences from each of these visits.
Entrance to the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center (left) and Rare Books room of the George Washington Presidential Library (right)
On July 18, 2025, thanks to a connection from an SCRC Project Archivist, we had the opportunity to visit another one of our Northern Virginia archives neighbors by spending a day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. We started our day with a guided tour of The George Washington Presidential Library, the centerpiece of which was visiting the closed stacks and being treated to a curated display of items from the collection.
The beautiful decor of the library extends into the closed stacks area, the first room of which displays the rare books collection, as well as a centerpiece portrait of George Washington himself.
Detail of one of the rare books shelves (left) and overview of some of the display items (right)
Next, we headed into the room which houses the library’s manuscript collections and were treated to a specially curated display of items.
A glimpse of the curated display in the center of the manuscripts room (note archival boxes along the walls!)
Bound manuscript music belonging to Eleanor Parke Custis, 1797 (left) and American Revolutionary War map (right)
“It was neat to learn about donor relations, obtaining original artifacts, and funding. I also really liked their reading room and how the Founding Fathers were looking down at the researchers.” – Shawna, SCRC Oral History Project Archivist
The Gleaner from George Washington’s personal collection featuring his signature on the title page
And of course, no Mount Vernon visit would be complete without a glimpse at the map from the 2004 film National Treasure
Unsurprisingly for a group of archivists, we were perhaps most excited by the giant map cases!
Our tour leader, Caroline Sharpe, displays the library’s amazing map cases
Beyond this room was a special treat. Hidden behind a truly dramatic rounded opening is one final room where the library is working to physically recreate George Washington’s personal library collection.
View into the recreation of George Washington’s personal library
“I absolutely loved learning about the library’s recreation of George Washington’s personal library and having the opportunity to browse through the books in that amazing space.” – Meghan, SCRC Processing Manager
Details from inside the rounded personal library room
Interestingly, George Washington’s personal library included two different full sets of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, one in Spanish (left) and one in English (right)
“My favorite thing was learning more about the man himself, specifically that he enjoyed oyster and garlic flavored ice cream!” – Amanda, SCRC Manuscripts & Archives Librarian
Centered in the rounded room’s doorway is a large recreation of George Washington’s personal bookplate
We concluded our amazing library tour in the bright and open reading room, where we posed for a group photo, but the day wasn’t over yet!
SCRC and Mason Library staff and students in the Presidential Library reading room
After a wonderful lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, we had the opportunity to continue our visit with a tour of the Mount Vernon Estate, Grounds, and Museum!
The Estate was still undergoing extensive renovations ahead of the 250th anniversary celebration, providing an exciting behind the scenes glimpse into the conservation process!
“It was helpful to see another archival space, talk to our colleagues at Mount Vernon, and hear about challenges and successes of their work. The house tour was amazing and really informative on George and Martha Washington. I deeply appreciate our team being able to spend some time here, and at other repositories!” – Lynn, SCRC Director
A more detailed glimpse into the layers of history hiding under the floors from the museum (left), a glimpse of the work being done outside of the estate (top right), and the estate’s amazing back view of the Potomac River (bottom right)
“I really enjoyed this experience and especially appreciated all the work Mount Vernon has done to help people understand the lives of the enslaved and share their individual stories. It’s so important, and I’m really glad to see them focusing on this aspect.” – Mieko, SCRC Research Services Librarian
A few of us had to pose for the official Mount Vernon 250 photo-op before leaving!
Everyone at SCRC extends another huge thank you to everyone at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, especially the Presidential Library’s staff, for being so welcoming and putting together an absolutely amazing visit! Stay tuned for more highlights from these exciting visits as we continue to strengthen our connections with our “Archives Neighbors”.
Follow SCRC on Social Media and look out for future posts on our Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky accounts. To search the collections held at Special Collections Research Center, go to our website and browse the finding aids by subject or title. You may also e-mail us at speccoll@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2220 if you would like to schedule an appointment, request materials, or if you have questions.
