‘Operation: George Washington’ Returns to Uncover Founding Father of Espionage

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON AND THE INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM TEAM UP FOR ANNUAL MONTH-LONG, MONEY-SAVING MISSION

This August, two of the region’s most popular attractions have teamed up once again to offer visitors and residents a way to save while saluting America’s first president and founding father of espionage: George Washington. Guests who visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum will be able to take advantage of Operation: George Washington and save 50 percent off the ticket purchase at their second destination.

‘Operation: George Washington’ Returns to Uncover Founding Father of Espionage

George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum team up for annual month-long, money-saving mission

AUGUST 1, 2013 – Washington, D.C. – This August, two of the region’s most popular attractions have teamed up once again to offer visitors and residents a way to save while saluting America’s first president and founding father of espionage: George Washington. Guests who visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum will be able to take advantage of Operation: George Washington and save 50 percent off the ticket purchase at their second destination.

“We are very pleased to partner with Mount Vernon to bring to life the intelligence successes of George Washington, often called the father of American Intelligence,” said Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former Senior CIA Officer. “One of our most cherished and oldest artifacts is a letter written by Washington in 1777, calling for the creation of a spy network in Britishoccupied New York City, so this partnership is a natural fit.”

To redeem the offer, guests must present their receipt for admission or ticket stub from one site when purchasing their ticket to the second site. Both Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum will honor receipts and tickets throughout the month of August.

In addition to Washington’s 1777 letter, the International Spy Museum houses several artifacts and exhibits whose rich storytelling illustrates the impact of intelligence successes and failures during the rise of American Intelligence. In commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, From Ballroom to Battlefield: A Spy’s Eye View of the Civil War uncovers untold tales such as why Confederate General Lee was “blind” at Gettysburg and how a marching band helped the Confederates fool a Union General. These stories and more vividly illustrate the role of spies and spycraft throughout the war. Civil War era spy tech, such as the 19th century hand-held mobile communications device, signal flags, and codes and cipher tools, are also featured.

“Travelers and local families are looking for good values this summer, and they are also looking for powerful, only-in-D.C. experiences. With Operation: George Washington, we are providing them with both”, said Rebecca Aloisi, vice president for marketing at Mount Vernon. “Plus, we are encouraging them to think about George Washington in a new way.”

In Mount Vernon’s Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, visitors intrigued by Washington’s espionage efforts can catch a special movie, George Washington: Spymaster. Created by the History Channel and told from the perspective of an 18th-century spy, the movie covers Washington’s innovative use of spies and espionage during the Revolution. It is shown in the doorway of a tavern’s façade, a popular place for spying during the war. Beyond the spy-focused film, visitors can take a special behind-the-scenes walking tour that spotlights the top-secret locations featured in the film, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” (additional fee applies).

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Mount Vernon

Since 1860, more than 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon. www.MountVernon.org

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International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. The Museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, offering a rare glimpse into the whispered world of covert operations and the silent, unknown men and women behind them, making it an experience like no other. The International Spy Museum opened in Washington, D.C., just over 11 years ago on July 19, 2002.