2008 Mount Vernon 150th Anniversary of the Saving of Mount Vernon Ornament

The White House Ornament Collection presents The 2008 Mount Vernon 150th Anniversary of the Saving of Mount Vernon Ornament.

In 2008, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, America's first national preservation organization, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the saving of George Washington's home, Mount Vernon.

Alarmed that the estate was up for sale by Washington's financially pressed heirs, that the mansion was in a deplorable state of repair, and with no interest from the Federal Government or the Commonwealth of Virginia in its preservation, Miss Cunningham enlisted 22 prominent women to begin campaigning to raise funds to purchase Mount Vernon. On April 6, 1858, John Augustine Washington III agreed to sell Mount Vernon and 200 acres of land for $200,000, at that time a seemingly insurmountable sum of money. Initiating the first known effort to preserve an American landmark, the Association's formation also marks the beginning of the historic preservation movement in this country.

In the ensuing 150 years, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has opened Washington's home to millions of visitors from across the world, yet has never accepted federal or state funding for its support. The Ladies have meticulously restored the estate to its 1799 appearance, the year of George Washington's death, and continue to protect Washington's remarkable view across the Potomac from development. In more recent years, the Association has broadened its mission to educate the world about the life, character, leadership and legacies of George Washington.

One side of the 2008 ornament shows a painting of the East View of Mount Vernon in a 24 kt. gold finish frame decorated with white snowflakes, green holly leaves with red berries and two red bows. The reverse is deep blue with George Washington's cypher in gold, two white doves, two red bows and "Mount Vernon – Christmas 2008". The oval ornament measures approximately 3" x 2 ¾". Beautifully gift boxed with an educational enclosure card.

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina, is the non-profit organization which owns and administers the home and final resting place of George Washington.

This Christmas Gift Idea can serve as either a handsome Christmas display or a White House Christmas Tree Ornament. Whether you are looking for a holiday ornament, a tree ornament, or Christmas collectable, this gift will make any Christmas a White Christmas. Own a moment of White House history.

Bulk Prices Click Here