The primary goal of this multi-million dollar endeavor is to close what Mount Vernon officials say is a widening "information gap" among the young and others regarding the life and labors of the first president of the United States. The project's state-of-the-art orientation center, education center, and museum will be housed in a 50,000-sf space just 100,000 sf from the property's mansion. The complex will include classrooms, at least two theatres and a total of 17 galleries, 15 of which will focus on the first president's life and personality.

"While scholars continue to acknowledge that George Washington's character and leadership were the best the nation has ever known, many contemporary Americans, unlike previous generations, have lost touch with the real Washington," Mount Vernon executive director Jim Rees says of the project's purpose. "Our historic campaign intends to reverse that trend and restore Washington to the prominence he deserves." This $85 million public awareness campaign, dubbed "George Washington: To Keep Him First," is currently funded at 65%.

That figure includes a recent $15 million grant from the Las Vegas, NV's Donald W. Reynolds. Mount Vernon receives no federal funds and does not accept funding from state and local government entities. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 2003 and construction is scheduled for completion in 2006.