George Washington Finally Gets His Own Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Posted on September 28, 2013

Most modern presidents have their own library. But until yesterday, America's first president, George Washington, did not have one. His home at Mount Vernon is preserved and is a popular tourist attraction, but the one thing Washington really wanted -- his own library to house his collection of books and papers -- he didn't have. Well, thanks to private fundraising efforts, The National Library for the Study of George Washington opened yesterday at the Mount Vernon estate.

In this clip, founding director Douglas Bradburn discusses the project. The Library is run by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, which also runs Mount Vernon. Bradburn is quite excited about opening the doors to the library to scholars who must make an appointment to see the rare books and manuscript stores there. Take a look: