On Friday, June 22, 2012, George Washington’s signed and personally annotated copy of the U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights was bought at auction for $9.8 million by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (MVLA). I found this interesting for several reasons. First, MVLA is the fee owner of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate including the residence and 500 acres on the Potomac River. They do not accept donations or grants from federal, state or local governments. No tax dollars are expended in the operation and maintenance of Mount Vernon. There is no expectation of political or economic gain in the MVLA operation of this national shrine. The monies expended for George Washington’s Book will insure that this important piece of our national heritage will be available for those who are interested in viewing a rare example of our history.
Secondly, I find it ironic that while the MVLA spends such a grand sum to unselfishly preserve an important piece of our history, the current occupier of the White House has nothing but distain for The Constitution and the very office that he holds. Just yesterday we saw pictures of Obama’s guests at the White House casting profane disrespect on a portrait of one of our presidents. It doesn’t even matter which one. The fact that the current rabble residing there would allow people to commit such acts of disrespect is both disturbing and infuriating.
Thank you MVLA for the good work that you do for the American People.
About The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
Mount Vernon is owned and maintained in trust for the people of the United States by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization (501c3) founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham. The Association is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country, and it has always been in the forefront of the restoration field. It is directed by a Board of Regents, comprised solely of women, who represent nearly 30 states. Also, a Board of Advisors of prominent citizens from across the country convenes twice a year to provide additional input on Mount Vernon’s governance. The estate, gift shops and dining facilities are operated by over 500 paid employees and over 400 volunteers.
Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America and is open 365 days a year. Over 80 million people have visited Mount Vernon since 1860, when the estate was officially opened to the public. Mount Vernon welcomes an average of one million guests each year.
The estate, gardens and farm of Mount Vernon totaled some 8,000 acres in the 18th century. Today, nearly 500 acres of this historic property have been preserved along the banks of the Potomac River. Guests can see Washington’s mansion and other original structures. The estate also includes the tomb of George and Martha Washington, a memorial dedicated to the slaves who lived and worked on the estate, the Ford Orientation Center, and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center which includes 25 theaters and galleries.
Mount Vernon does not accept grants from federal, state or local governments, and no tax dollars are expended to support its purposes. Primary sources of income are revenue from the retail and dining facilities, ticket sales, and donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Please visit the Mount Vernon Ladies Association here.
—Thanks for handling the Saturday Lecture, it’s been a wonderfully hard and full week.
-CW
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Tags: George Washington
