Is it any surprise that President’s Day is a big holiday ’round these parts? There are scores of events and activities happening this weekend to celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. So many they warrant a whole post. Here’s where you can pay tribute to our 1st and 16th POTUS’ and have some fun with the kids.
Happy 283rd Birthday, George!
Where: Mount Vernon
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $17/adult, $9/ages 6-11, free for 5 and under
Join “General Washington” for a sample of his favorite breakfast, hoecakes swimming in butter and honey, on Saturday & Sunday from 9am – 12pm. Afterwards, mingle with more costumed characters from Washington’s world and enjoy other activities, including some dancing with the 18th-century stars on the Bowling Green. On Monday, there will be syrup-making and dance demos along with ceremonial wreathlayings to honor Washington. Note that admission is free on Monday, 2/16, but I can tell you from experience that a lot of folks show up to take advantage of the complimentary entry and to celebrate George’s big day.
Presidential Portraits
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
View portraits of every American President — the National Portrait Gallery is one of the only places you can do that! In addition to the permanent collection, the museum will also display 3-D busts of President Barack Obama as well as rarely seen works of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Sunday, February 15, will be a day of special fun, as the gallery hosts a President-themed Family Day (see below) with activities for all ages.
Presidential Family Fun Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: February 15, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate President’s Day weekend during a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past-leaders: Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in person and enjoy several art activities like Presidential Polaroids and picture frame making. There will also be entertainment by the local a capella group, “Snowday,” photo ops with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.
Celebrate George!
Where: Tudor House
When: February 16, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free for members, $10/non-members
Spend time with the first president on his 283rd birthday with a visit to the home of Mrs. Washington’s descendants. Tudor Place, usually closed Mondays, opens one Monday a year to share tours and seldom exhibited highlights of its noted Washington Collection. See gifts and legacies from the Washingtons, including portraits, items from Mount Vernon, furniture from General Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters tent, and one of the only personal letters remaining from George to Martha. After your tour, try your hand at writing “presidentially,” with a quill pen (and expert help!).
President Lincoln Exhibit Opening
Where: Newseum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $22.95/adults, $13.95/ages 7-18, free for 6 and under
The Newseum is debuting a new exhibit just in time for President’s Day. “President Lincoln Is Dead: The New York Herald Reports the Assassination,” marks the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The exhibit features an unparalleled collection of all seven editions issued by the Herald on April 15, 1865, chronicling the shooting of the president at Ford’s Theatre, his death, the hunt for his assassin, and the swearing-in of the new president.Displayed together for the first time since 1865, the collection begins with the 2am edition, which contained the first Associated Press report that Lincoln had been shot. It also includes a recently discovered 8:45am “extra” that was one of the first newspapers to report the president’s death. Look for a ticket discount here.
George Washington Birthday Parade
Where: Old Town Alexandria, Kind & Royal Streets
When: February 16, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Alexandria hosts the largest parade in the country celebrating George Washington’s birthday with marching bands, historic re-enactment troops and more. Bundle up to watch the procession will travel through Old Town. See the website for more info and route details.
Stop by Abe’s Old Digs
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $6/ages 6-12, free for 5 and under
There’s no special event, but this seems like a good way to honor our 16th POTUS for President’s Day. Located on the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) campus in northwest DC, the cottage was Abraham Lincoln’s country home and workplace, where he spent one quarter of his presidency. Admission includes the Cottage tour, an innovative small group tour in which a professional guide uses “historical voices” and images through multimedia technology to bring the stories of Abraham Lincoln and his family to life. Hours are Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm, and Sunday 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Wax Presidential
Where: Madame Tussaud’s
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: From $12.10/adult, $9.60/child
Get up close and personal with all 44 POTUS at Madame Tussauds in downtown DC. The Presidents Gallery, exclusive to that location, is comprised of 14 themed rooms that include interactive exhibits along with the sculptures. If you plan to go, be sure to book online for ticket discounts.
Special Presidents’ Day Tour
Where: National Museum of Health and Medicine
When: February 16, 1pm
Admission: Free
“The Nation’s Medical Museum–Meeting Challenges through Innovation”: is a free, docent-led introductory tour highlighting the remarkable changes in American medicine over the past 150 years, with a special focus on military medicine and presidential care. Reservations recommended, but not required.
