The Family Cooks! Colonial Culinary School for Children and Parents

Gunston Hall Plantation

House Tours Guided house tours are offered every half hour. These tours focus on the life of George Mason and his family; they tell of the slaves, servants, and the others who worked for the Mason family; and point out the architectual features of the house. The house tour takes approximately 45 minutes. Outbuildings Just to the east of the house is a group of reconstructed buildings including a kitchen, dairy, smokehouse, and laundry. These buildings replicate what were the typical support buildings for an 18th century plantation household. are self-guided and have an audio in the Kitchen Yard help show what was needed to support the 18th century household, There is also an interpretive area for the slave housing. Grounds Stroll through the massive central boxwood allée, believed to have been planted during George Mason's residence. Enjoy the view of the Potomac river from Mason's garden overlook, or take a peaceful hike down to the banks of the river. A short distance from the house can be found the Mason family graveyard. During the warm weather months Archaeologists can often be found on the grounds, attempting to better understand Mason's plantation. Visitors' Center A visit to Gunston Hall begins with the introductory film, "George Mason and the Bill of Rights" (11 min.). Visitors then can view the center's exhibits which highlight details of George Mason's civic career and the lasting influences of his most famous document, The Virginia Declaration of Rights. Exhibits also focus on facets of his personal life as well as aspects of 18th-century plantation culture such as hospitality, building practices, and horticulture. Museum Shop No visit to Gunston Hall is complete without a stop at the museum shop. Here one can find further information about George Mason, Gunston Hall, and 18th century life as well as souveniers.

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