When the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased the estate in 1858, the house was virtually empty. Since then, we have worked very hard to obtain as many objects as possible. About 25 percent of the pieces you see in the Mansion are those we know belonged to George Washington. Most of the other pieces were 18th century antiques, usually similar to those owned by George Washington. There are just a few reproductions.
Experts can also study the wood and craftsmanship to determine the exact age of a piece.
This type of investigation is challenging and time-consuming, but also a real adventure. In most rooms, we have security systems which project invisible beams from one wall to the next. Now and then, when the Mansion is totally empty and locked up tight, a chair or table suddenly moves several inches, breaking the beam and setting off an alarm. We have no idea. We feel strongly that George Washington's Birthday should be celebrated again, like it was for some 200 years.