Field Trips: Revolutionary War Weekend at Mt. Vernon

It’s another British invasion.  This time it’s centered at Washington’s Mt. Vernon and it involves highly enthusiastic historical re-enactors instead of a rock band.  We’ll visit Mt. Vernon during their Revolutionary War Weekend.  This is a large event hosting hundreds of re-enactors and has become very popular.  Tickets will sell out well in advance. 

We’ll hope for the best possible weather as we plan to attend Saturday morning.  If you cannot secure Saturday tickets, you may want to consider attending Sunday instead.  This is an awesome event for any history buff and photographer interested in portraits, candids, and historically accurate journalistic compositions.  There is so much to see and the cast are photo friendly. 

The schedule of events for the day is not published until the “generals” meet, usually the morning of the event.  Camp life is demonstrated throughout the day and there is always something happening.  Use your eyes and ears to anticipate unique opportunities so you can be at the right place at the right time.  Troop inspection usually occurs around 10am in the morning and will be announced over the PA system.  Pick your side and stick with them.  In the past, there have been two scheduled skirmishes, one around 12pm and another around 2pm.  Skirmishes are dependent on the weather as they will be using real muskets and real gunpowder. 

Remember, most participants are photogenic and welcome the opportunity provided they’re not busy.  Approach with a smile and a curiosity and you may find yourself much smarter after the encounter.  The cast is very knowledgeable about their uniforms, the unit they are a member of, and their camp.

We’ll start our tour from the Ford Orientation Center (aka visitor’s center).  We’ll leave the visitor’s center and follow the path leading us towards the Continental Army encampment which is usually found on the lawn beyond the Bowling Green.  The British and Hessian camps are usually located on the back lawn (river side) behind the upper garden.  Families (yes, actual wives and children) of the soldiers often accompany the re-enactors just like camp followers would have in the past and they even play their historical rolls as well.

It won’t take long for many of us to become separated, engrossed in whatever catches our eye.  This is certainly anticipated though we encourage small groups while you tour.  We’ll wander around from tent to tent, capture scenes and events, and find groups of soldiers marching or otherwise preparing for the day. 

Our groups will most likely react to events announced over the PA.  Everything is a short walk, but you’re not going to see everything as some events overlap.  We recommend finding something and following the action for a while before moving on.  Some events like the skirmishes may require you to plan ahead and stake out a spot before the crowds overtake the venue.  Knowing the contour of the land, a bit of luck, and a hint about the planned skirmish will help you find the right spot.

Please be aware of Mt. Vernon’s code of conduct which includes their photography policy.  No flash photography indoors and tripods are prohibited despite the fact that events such as Mt. Vernon fireworks displays have allowed tripods outdoors in the past.

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/tips-for-your-visit/guidelines/guest-code-of-conduct/

Tickets:

Mt. Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend is a ticketed event.  Your ticket gives you access to all events for the day as well as general admission to Mt. Vernon including an optional tour of the mansion.  This is a popular event, so we recommend you purchase your tickets online well in advance.

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/revolutionary-war-weekend/

Adult: $35
Youth: $21

Equipment:

• You will have the opportunity to get up close and talk with the event participants. A standard lens (about 24-70mm) will cover most of the images you’ll capture walking around the camps.
• Weather permitting, there will be multiple mock skirmishes with musket and cannon fire. For these events, you will be required to stand behind roped off viewing areas. For this reason, be sure to bring a telephoto lens.  A 200mm will give you a wide shot of the “battlefield”.  You will need at least a 300mm to isolate individuals.
• Always bring a polarizer.
• No flash photography is permitted in the mansion or galleries.
• Tripods are also prohibited. You shouldn’t need your tripod anyways. Save yourself the weight and leave it at home.
• Weather is anticipated to be warm. Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the afternoon sun. You may also want to bring a small bottle of water with you.  Restrooms are available on-site.  Benches are available but are spread around the grounds and there never seems to be enough.  There is seating on the back porch of the mansion for anyone who wants an extended break to enjoy the late Spring breeze in the shade.

When:

Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (alternate)

Where:

We’ll meet briefly at the traffic circle between the Mt. Vernon gift shop and the path leading to the visitor’s center / main entrance. 

Directions:

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

Plenty of free parking is available.  Be sure to ride with your fellow club mate and convince them to let you off at the traffic circle before you reach the parking lots.  This destination is accessible via metro bus service #101 Fort Hunt – Mt. Vernon.

COVID precautions:

This is an outdoor event with a few opportunities to tour indoors.  If you plan to tour the mansion you will wait in line outdoors and then be guided through the mansion in small groups.  Masks are are not required and are a personal choice.  We’re anticipating a low exposure risk.

We hope you can join us!

Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2022-2023

* Photographs courtesy Steven Glintz