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This photo from our 2009 visit to Mount Vernon is probably my favourite of all I’ve taken—a large version of it hangs in our entry.

I’m a big fan of privately-operated preservation efforts, and right now, one of my favourite places in America—George Washington’s Mount Vernon—is in the running for a $100,000 grant from Partners in Preservation!

Partners in Preservation—a program joining together American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation—has already given $9 million dollars’ worth of grants to historic sites in cities like Boston, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Chicago. The Washington, D.C. area (beyond wealthy in historic places) was chosen as the 2013 grants, which will total $1 million—and Partners in Preservation wants the help of the citizenry in choosing the place worthy of the $100K grant! (Once that is awarded to the people’s choice, the remainder of the million will be given to sites chosen by an advisory committee.)

“Great cities are a reflection of their neighborhoods and landmarks,” said Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer of American Express. “The places where people work, worship and reflect often define those neighborhoods, and our work with Partners in Preservation has taught us that maintaining local historic places for future generations is one of the best ways to make great cities even greater.” (via)

Mount Vernon

Just so you know, I was nearly blown down the hill into the Potomac taking this photo of Mount Vernon. This can be a dangerous gig.

is seeking the grant to help finance their  restoration of the magnificent dining room, also called “the new room”, in the main house.

As the first room that today’s visitors see as they enter the Mansion, the New Room makes a bold impression with its vibrant green color and elegant furnishings.
Despite its significance, the room hasn’t undergone a major renovation in more than 30 years.  With this restoration effort, which launched in January, Mount Vernon staff and visiting experts will repair the plaster, woodwork, painting, and wallpaper.  They will also tend to the collection of prints, paintings, and objects on view in the room.

If you’ve ever been to Mount Vernon, no doubt you, too, find the “new room”, with its verdigris green walls and intricate trim, unforgettable and impressive.