Northern Virginia Tour 2018

The Decorate Arts Society is pleased to invite you to its Northern Virginia Tour, October 13-14, 2018. This special two-day long event will bring participants to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, and George Mason’s Gunston Hall. Overnight accommodations can be reserved at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Alexandria Fort Belvoir. See below for reservation details.

Day 1: George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Your visit to Mount Vernon begins with a curator-led tour of collections highlights; enjoy a behind-the-scenes viewing of original Washington objects and areas typically off limits to the public. You will then follow a curator-led tour of the exhibition “Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon” Join the curators for a fresh look at the decorative arts collection in this award-winning exhibition. The exhibition profiles 19 individuals enslaved at Mount Vernon, using George Washington’s extensive records. Lastly, join DAS President Susan Schoelwer for a private, after-hours tour of the Mansion, highlighting recent restorations and discoveries at the iconic home of George and Martha Washington: the New Room, Chintz and Blue Bedrooms, Central Passage, and Front Parlor. Savor the incomparable view from the piazza across the Potomac as the sun sets. Our special day ends with a Private dinner on the Mount Vernon grounds.

Day 2: Part I - Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House

Commissioned in 1939 by Loren Pope, a journalist in Falls Church, VA, this L-shaped Usonian home was sold to Robert and Marjorie Leighey in 1946. The design reveals Wright’s appreciation of nature and clever solutions for small-space living.

Day 2: Part II - George Mason’s Gunston Hall

Gunston Hall (1755-1759) is the architectural gem built for George Mason IV by William Buckland and William Bernard Sears. The mansion stands as a testament to a single architectural moment in colonial Virginia.

Detailed Itinerary, Travel Information & Lodging Information

Please join the Decorative Arts Society this fall for a weekend in

Northern Virginia

Saturday, October 13th to Sunday, October 14th, 2018

Saturday, October 13th

Participants arrive on their own in Washington, DC.
Recommended Amtrak train from NY, for example: 155 Northeast Regional; departs New York Penn Station 9:05 a.m. and arrives Washington D.C. Union Station 12:39 p.m.

1:00 p.m.: Bus transport will be available, departing from Union Station and dropping off at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Alexandria Fort Belvoir, 8632 Woodlawn Ct., Alexandria, VA 22309. Please board the Fleet Transportation bus at the second curb outside the main entrance to Union Station.

2:00-2:30 p.m.: Participants settle in at TownePlace Suites

2:30 p.m.: Bus departs TownePlace Suites for George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Please note that the visit to Mount Vernon involves some walking; please advise of any mobility concerns.

3:00-4:30 p.m.: Curator-led tour of Collections Highlights at Mount Vernon
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes viewing of original Washington objects and areas typically off limits to the public.

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Curator-led tour of the exhibition “Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon”

Join the curators for a fresh look at the decorative arts collection, in this award-winning exhibition. The exhibition profiles 19 individuals enslaved at Mount Vernon, using George Washington’s extensive records.

5:30-7:00 p.m.: Curator-led Mansion tour
Join DAS President Susan Schoelwer for a private, after-hours tour of the Mansion, highlighting recent restorations and discoveries at the iconic home of George and Martha Washington: the New Room, Chintz and Blue Bedrooms, Central Passage, and Front Parlor. Savor the incomparable view from the piazza across the Potomac as the sun sets.

7:15 p.m.: Private dinner on the Mount Vernon grounds. Catered by the Mount Vernon Inn. Please select an entrée option on the sign-up sheet.

9:00 p.m.: Bus departs for TownePlace Suites.

Sunday, October 14th

9:50 a.m.: Bus departs TownePlace Suites for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope Leighey House Participants who are being dropped off at Union Station are to bring their luggage with them when they board the bus.

10:00-11:30 a.m.: Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope Leighey House
Commissioned in 1939 by Loren Pope, a journalist in Falls Church, VA, this L-shaped Usonian home was sold to Robert and Marjorie Leighey in 1946. The design reveals Wright’s appreciation of nature and clever solutions for small-space living.

11:30 a.m.: Bus departs for Gunston Hall

12:00–12:45 p.m.: Tour of Gunston Hall
Gunston Hall (1755-1759) is the architectural gem built for George Mason IV by William Buckland and William Bernard Sears. The mansion stands as a testament to a single architectural moment in colonial Virginia.

12:45–1:15 p.m.: Boxed Lunch on Gunston Hall grounds. Please select a sandwich option on the sign-up sheet.

1:15–1:45 p.m.: Time to enjoy Gunston Hall on your own

1:45 p.m.: Bus departs for Union Station

Participants depart Washington, DC.
Recommended Amtrak train to NY, for example: 132 Northeast Regional; departs Washington D.C. Union Station at 3:20 p.m. and arrives New York Penn Station at 6:46 p.m.

Cost: Registration Fee: $240.
Covers bus transportation as indicated, all fees for museum admission and tours listed in the program, dinner on Saturday night, and a small administration fee for the Decorative Arts Society, Inc. Participants are responsible for paying their own way for other transportation, their lodging, and for lunch on Saturday. Through the courtesy of Mount Vernon Historic Preservation & Collections Department, all three tours at Mount Vernon are complimentary, with a discounted admission to the estate, allowing us to pass the savings along to our participants.

Hotel Reservations
A block of rooms has been reserved at a special rate for the use of program participants at the TownePlace Suites Alexandria – Fort Belvoir. 20 rooms have been reserved for Saturday night. In addition, 10 rooms will be available at the same rate for Friday and Sunday nights in the event participants wish to arrive earlier or extend their visit. The rate is $109.00 per night plus tax for One King, Sofabed Suites or Two Queen Suites. The rate includes deluxe continental breakfast, wireless internet, access to fitness center, guest laundry, indoor pool, and complimentary self-parking.
To book: Reservations can be made by calling 703-619-6060. Callers must identify themselves with Decorative Arts Society, Inc. block or book by visiting this link: Book your group rate for Decorative Arts Society, Inc. The three letter booking code is “DAS.” **Reservations must be made by participants on their own by 5:00 p.m. on September 12th, 2018

RSVP
Please RSVP by September 13th, 2018, by returning the registration sheet to:
Decorative Arts Society, Inc.
c/o Stewart G. Rosenblum 333 East 69th Street, # 8E
New York, NY 10021

Space is limited to twenty (20) people and will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guests who become contributors to the Decorative Arts Society, Inc. are welcome.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel welcome to contact Emily Orr
E: OrrEM@si.edu
T: 1.212.849.3256