Presidents Day in Washington, DC is filled with events that not only honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln—both born in the month of February—but that celebrate the American presidency and the freedom it represents. This year DC will celebrate the re-opening of Ford's Theater. Whether you are a seasoned history buff or novice scholar, visiting Washington, DC on this day dedicated to our heroic leaders is a treat for one and all.
The President Day highlights of this very special day in American history include the following:
The White House Visitor Center
Monday, February 16, 2009 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Visitors who stop by the White House Visitor Center may be sworn into office as “President for a Day”, practice penning presidential correspondence with ink and quill pen, chat with Abraham Lincoln, or sit at the dinner table of Dolley Madison. Children can participate in games, candlemaking and crafts. For additional information, call the White House Visitor Center in President’s Park at (202) 208-1631.
Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance
On February 12, 2009 at noon stop by the Lincoln Memorial for the annual laying of the wreath in “this temple where the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever” and a reading of the Gettysburg Address.
Re-opening of Fords Theater
On February 16, 2009 Ford's Theater will open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rangers will lead interpretive programs, theatrical readings and musical performances. Ford’s Theatre will launch its Living Lincoln Series that evening.
Mount Vernon
No one fetes George Washington like the place he called home. In honor of our first president’s 277 th birthday, Mount Vernon is open free of charge, Monday, February 16, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come and enjoy musical and military performances by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard. Festivities begin after a 10 a.m. ceremony at Washington’s tomb.
George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is as quaint as it is filled with the history of the beginnings of our nation and George Washington was a central figure in the city’s development. On Monday, February 16, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the town celebrates the Father of our Country with a parade. After the parade, you can shop in the many boutiques and antiques stores that now line the streets that Washington himself once haunted.
