Children Can Train as Revolutionary Spies at Mount Vernon Next Week

Two special days include cipher wheels, code-breaking, a top-secret scavenger hunt, a Continental Army camp and a Thursday visit from the CIA’s chief historian.

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Children who have ever wanted to trade a textbook for a top-secret mission can report to George Washington’s Mount Vernon next week.

The estate’s Fall Homeschool Days run from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 17, with this year’s program built around Revolutionary War espionage.

Young visitors can make and use a cipher wheel, follow a top-secret scavenger hunt through the new Hands-on-History Center and learn how George Washington, the Culper Spy Ring and other intelligence networks gathered information during the Revolution.

The special homeschool rate is $15 for adults and children ages 6–18. Children 5 and younger are admitted free, according to Mount Vernon’s official event page.

Spies, Soldiers and a CIA Historian

George Washington will discuss his work as America’s first spymaster at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days. Visitors can also meet Benjamin Tallmadge, Washington’s director of military intelligence, and encounter Martha Washington, Nelly Custis, Dr. James Craik and other historical interpreters at scheduled times.

At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a reading of A Spy Called James introduces families to James Lafayette, an enslaved Virginian who gathered crucial intelligence for the American cause.

Thursday adds an unusual modern connection. CIA Chief Historian David Robarge is scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. about Washington’s intelligence work and the history of American espionage.

On Wednesday, children’s author Steven K. Smith will discuss his book Spies at Mount Vernon at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a signing between the talks.

The program reaches beyond secret codes. Families can enter a Continental Army encampment, hear Revolutionary-era music, watch blacksmithing, spinning and weaving demonstrations, learn about 18th-century foodways and visit Mount Vernon’s heritage-breed livestock.

Spy activities operate from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The Hands-on-History Center is open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; cipher wheels and scavenger-hunt materials are available while supplies last.

Mount Vernon does not allow outside food or beverages inside the historic area, apart from water. Families bringing lunches may eat outside near the Shops at Mount Vernon.