Archaeologists participating in the $40 million Mansion Revitalization Project at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed two sealed 18th-century glass bottles containing preserved cherries.
These bottles, discovered in the Mansion cellar, were found upright and sealed, reflecting their European manufacture and characteristic shapes from the 1740s to 1750s. The cellar, where the bottles were nestled beneath a brick floor laid in the 1770s, preserved them untouched since before the Revolutionary War.
Mount Vernon Principal Archaeologist Jason Boroughs said: “This incredible discovery at Mount Vernon is a significant archaeological find. Not only did we recover intact, sealed bottles, but they contained organic material that can provide us with valuable insight and perspective into 18th-century lives at Mount Vernon. These bottles have the potential to enrich the historic narrative, and we’re excited to have the contents analyzed so we can share this discovery with fellow researchers and the visiting public.”
The excavation is part of the Mansion Revitalization Project, a comprehensive effort funded privately to address long-standing structural issues and enhance the preservation of the iconic site. Mount Vernon President & CEO Doug Bradburn emphasized the project’s intention to carefully excavate areas of potential disruption, resulting in several significant discoveries, including the recent find of the sealed bottles.
After their discovery, the bottles were carefully transported to the Mount Vernon archaeology lab for preservation. Archaeological conservators advised the removal of the liquid contents to stabilize the glass, which had remained untouched for approximately two centuries. Interestingly, the liquid within the bottles retained the characteristic scent of cherry blossoms, a familiar aroma in the region during the spring season, and contained preserved cherries, including stems and pits.
The bottles will undergo conservation, and samples of their contents will be sent to a laboratory for further scientific analysis. Mount Vernon Vice President of Media and Communications, Julie Almacy, announced that the bottles would be available for public viewing until April 30, 2024, after which they will undergo conservation.
The Mansion Revitalization Project aims to strengthen and restore the home of America’s first president, ensuring its structural integrity for future generations.
