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First Oval Office Project at Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters

First Oval Office Project At Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquar

The First Oval Office Project, curated by the Museum of the American Revolution, portrays Washington’s war tent as both a command center and a symbol of leadership. Now, this powerful experience is coming to Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters.

Click here to see the event schedule!

Visitors Will Experience:

  • Interactive displays curated by costumed interpreters from the Museum of the American Revolution
  • A walk-through encounter with Washington’s tent, set up as it would have appeared in 1780
  • The chance to connect this national story with the local history of Dey Mansion

What is the First Oval Office Project?

The First Oval Office Project is a traveling, immersive program from the Museum of the American Revolution that brings George Washington’s wartime headquarters to life. At the heart of the program is a full-scale replica of Washington’s Revolutionary War tent — the very space where he made critical decisions, wrote correspondence, and led the Continental Army. Often referred to as the “First Oval Office,” this tent was both a command center and a symbol of leadership. Now this powerful experience is coming to Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters, where visitors will experience a walk-through encounter of the tent featuring interactive displays curated by costumed interpreters from the Museum of the American Revolution.

What’s Going On at Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters?

  • Set up Washington’s tent: Help set up the First Oval Office on Friday, with staff from the Museum of the American Revolution explaining its story along the way. On Sunday afternoon, help take the tent down, as Washington’s staff would have done at the end of his two stays at Dey Mansion.
  • Experience Revolutionary-era military demonstrations: See reenactors perform drill demonstrations, the mid-day “nooning of the troops,” and experience dramatic Revolutinary-era cannon fire!

What Other Activities Are Going On?

  • The Battle for Great Notch War Game: Experience the excitement of the fictional Battle of Great Notch in an immersive tactical wargame event. (Wednesday, July 16)
  • 18th Century Fashion Show: From intricately designed gowns to sharp, tailored coats, watch as models bring history to life. (Thursday, July 17th)
  • Dinner with Washington and His Troops: Celebrate the tent raising on Friday evening with a catered BBQ dinner, a fundraiser for Friends of Dey Mansion. Choose from dinner with the Continental Army troops, or an exclusive dinner inside Dey Mansion with George Washington himself!
  • Beer Tasting: On Saturday evening, come by to sample local brews at Dey Mansion!
  • Lectures on Revolutionary War History: Come on Thursday for a lecture on Benjamin Franklin and his relationship with his loyalist son William, presented in costume by Dey Mansion museum attendant Paul Maloney.

Admission & Location

  • Outdoor activities and parking are FREE for all visitors.
  • Dey Mansion admission: $5 per person (free for children 17 and under). 

For more details, call 973-706-6640.