VIDEO: George Washington Takes a Bath
Some people put a lot of work into keeping up with the Joneses, but at Mount Vernon we really pull our weight when it comes to keeping up the Georges.
Once a year we fly in two experts to touch up and wash our three wax figures of George Washington, which were made using tons of forensic evidence that points to what Washington really looked like (this touch up, of course, is in addition to an at least bi-weekly clothes cleaning, hair fluffing, and face and hand brushing that removes dust).
Studying everything from actual hair samples from Washington’s head to his bone structure, experts constructed representations of Washington at age 19, as general of the army and as president. These are the most accurate representations of Washington that exist today.
The figures are available for viewing by the public in our Reynolds Education Center and there is also a set that is on tour with our “Discover the Real George Washington” traveling exhibit.
October 21st, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I’m the guy in the video who dealt with George’s hair… I just wanted to give some additional credit to Diana Cordray, the manager of the Mt. Vernon Education Center, who is out there in the exhibits taking care of the Georges for the entire year between our annual heavy-duty maintenance, making sure that no dust settles and no hair is out of place… I must also add that this project is one of which I am extremely proud to be a part.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Hi, I’m Sue, part of the team who work on the maintenance of the Georges. Really enjoyed watching the video…brings back very warm memories of the wonderful staff and welcome while at Mount Vernon..
Really must give very special thanks to Diana Cordray, who’s daily attention and care for the 3 Georges helps make our yearly visit all that much easier and definitely adds to the longevity of the figures…
Like Steven, am extremely proud to be part of such an amazing project and history in the making…