Enfilade

Washington’s dentures coming to a city near you. . . . From the N.C. Museum of History:

Discover the Real George Washington: New Views From Mount Vernon
Heinz History Center Pittsburgh, 19 February — 1 August 2010
North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, 10 September 2010 — 21 January 20110
Seven additional venues listed below

Gilbert Stuart, "Portrait of George Washington," c. 1798 (Mount Vernon)

The N.C. Museum of History is hosting the traveling exhibition Discover the Real George Washington: New Views From Mount Vernon during its three-year national tour. Approximately 100 objects associated with Washington are featured in this exhibition on view through Jan. 21, 2011, in Raleigh. The N.C. Museum of History is the only venue in the Southeast on the exhibition’s tour. “Although over a million people come to walk in Washington’s footsteps at Mount Vernon each year, we know that not everyone will have a chance to visit his home,” said Jim Rees, President of Mount Vernon. “We wanted to bring the fascinating story of Washington’s life to people around the country by showing a wide variety of compelling personal belongings and some intriguing elements from our new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.”

Discover the Real George Washington offers a new and refreshing perspective on our nation’s first president, his achievements, and his family and times. The exhibition reveals the real George Washington not only as a general and president, but as a young land surveyor, experimental farmer and savvy entrepreneur. Washington’s views on religion and slavery, and the influence of his wife, Martha, are also explored. Highlights among the objects associated with Washington include:

• the only surviving complete set of Washington’s famous dentures, made of ivory, human teeth and animal teeth
• three life-size figures of Washington based on cutting-edge forensic research, showing him at different stages of his life: as a young surveyor, as commander in chief, and as our first president
• Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of Washington, ca. 1798
• the family Bible from Washington’s personal library
• surveying equipment and maps used by Washington.

Mrs. Washington is represented by original jewelry, pieces of her china, silver, glassware, and reproductions of her gold wedding dress and purple satin slippers. Discover the Real George Washington is presented in 11 sections, ranging from Washington’s youth to his final days. Engaging videos and a large 3D model of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens enhance the visitor experience, and computer touch screens encourage interactivity. The exhibition features a full-size, functional replica of Washington’s pew at Pohick Church and detailed scale models of Fort Necessity, a gristmill, and an innovative 16-sided treading barn. An extensive selection of educational programs is offered throughout the exhibition run, and children can enjoy hands-on activities in the museum lobby. A dedicated Web site (DiscoverGeorgeWashington.org) provides additional learning opportunities.

Complete List of Venues

Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, 19 February — 1 August 2010
North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, 10 September 2010 — 21 January 2011
Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, 22 February — 29 May 2011
National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, 1 July — 5 September 2011
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 11 October 2011 — 20 January 2012
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, CA, 22 February — 18 May 2012
Gilcrease Museum Tulsa, 22 June — 23 September 2012
Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland, 19 October 2012 — 18 January 2013
Nevada, 15 February — 15 May 2013