Power Player of the Week Susan Magill
The start of summer means the beginning of tourist season here in Washington.
As millions of visitors come to the nation's capital.
That got us thinking about one of the biggest attractions here which is reinventing itself here is our power player of the.
There's not just that did.
Elderly rather unattractive looking person on the dollar bill --
San Miguel is talking about George Washington.
As head of fund raising for Washington's home Mount Vernon she's working to attract new generations -- the father of our country.
Do you worry at all that Washington has been displaced by some of the other founding fathers in recent years.
Yes I do and it's not to take anything away from the other founding fathers.
But when they got their backs up against the wall they always turn to Washington.
One big addition is the museum and education center.
The most difficult audience -- a thirteen year old boy.
-- education center was really built to get him -- site.
There are interactive displays on Washington's life.
And what's called and the -- vehicles.
in the theatre district -- reward your chair shaking you can feel that's your right there in the midst of the battle.
Mount Vernon is the most popular historic home in the US with more than one million visitors a year.
And now there's a new projects.
To build a presidential library.
It will recreate the 12100 volume collection Washington had a year.
Washington -- 22000.
Letters.
It really is very meaningful to read some of those in try to understand what was on his mind at that point.
One thing I learned is not -- was falling into disrepair in the 1850s.
When 27 women to Mount Vernon ladies association bought it for 200000.
Dollars.
The association still owns and runs the a state with no government assistance since 1860 no federal money no state money.
No public money see -- line.
They think this is bear responsibility.
And the responsibility.
Of other generous Americans.
I don't think they want to take you know the federal government the federal money.
-- comes with some strings.
And we don't want to do that.
still has more ideas.
You'd like to see Washington's actual birthday recognized again instead of having a three day.
Mattress sale extravaganza.
What if we really -- Tried to return to our roots in the patriotic celebration.
George Washington in the founding principles of this nation I'm old enough to remember people February 22 -- that good good for you --
She's also trying to get schools to put his portrait back in the classroom.
We will send a free portrait of George Washington along with the lesson plan a celebration -- flag that's been flown over Mount Vernon.
Doesn't always -- you when you come back there and it's -- McGill is passionate about Washington and Mount Vernon.
And a legacy she says must never be lost.
I think the patriotism.
The courage.
The complete commitment to his country -- are things that don't go out of style.
One other thing about Mount Vernon it's open every day of the year so if -- in the DC area over Thanksgiving or Christmas or any holiday.
You can always go see Washington's -- or -- there.