Happy Birthday, Mr. Presidents!

George Washington snacks on his favorite hoecakes at Mount Vernon.

Most of us look forward to February’s three-day weekend, in part because it’s the last public holiday until Memorial Day in May (which right now, seems so far away…). But instead of lounging around for three days (ahem), we’ve decided to see how the nation’s capital is celebrating this years’ Presidents’ Day.

February 12 was Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. In 2009, he would have been 200 years old, and all over the country history buffs are preparing for his bicentennial. As we reported back in October, Lincoln’s Cottage, just three miles north of the White House, will be opening to the public on Tuesday, February 19. Lincoln’s 34-room summer home from 1862 to ’64 will also feature the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center next door, which will have a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and plenty of exhibits detailing the President’s life (tickets $12).

Just ten days after Lincoln’s birthday is George Washington’s birthday (February 22). Had the first President found the fountain of youth, he would be 276 years old. Regardless, George Washington’s estate of Mount Vernon is celebrating all Presidents’ Day weekend. And best of all, part of the celebration is free.

On Saturday and Sunday

(for regular admission), visitors can join George for his favorite breakfast—”hoecakes swimming in butter and honey.” At 1:30 p.m., don’t miss “America’s Smallest Hometown Parade” and get the chance to talk with some of Washington’s slaves in honor of Black History Month.

But visit on Monday, February 18, and admission to the entire Mount Vernon estate is free. Watch the parade and check out performances by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.

Also, on Presidents’ Day weekend, Mount Vernon is unveiling its newest exhibit: “Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China from the Robert L. McNeil, Jr. Collection.” The exhibit, which will be on display until January 21, 2009, will feature over 100 pieces of porcelain used during the Presidents

administrations from Washington to Ronald Reagan. The exhibit will also include other ephemera (such as invitations and place cards) and gowns worn by Bess Truman and Nancy Reagan.

Also, February 17 is IT’s Katie Knorovsky’s birthday. She’s nowhere near 276 years old, but we’d like to wish her a happy birthday nonetheless.

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Photos: courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association