RECONSTRUCTING GEORGE W.

Photograph by Christaki at flickr.com

The watchful eyes of President George W. have never been so evident as they were this last weekend when I took part in a fundraising dinner at Mt. Vernon. No, I am not referring to the current George W. All visitors to the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center are greeted by a concave sculpture of George Washington. Go anywhere in the room and he appears to be gazing directly at you.

The museum is literally a time-travel phenomena. It takes historical Colonial preservation to new high-tech heights. The curators have employed the help of "CSI" specialists to reconstruct George Washington. You can visit a forensic lab that is complete with vials, photographs, castings of body parts, pin-up boards, and a lab reproduction. The History Channel film "The Search for George Washington" also highlights the entire process.

Upon visiting the museum, you can expect to have an interactive history lesson. This museum goes beyond standing behind the velvet ropes to catch a glimpse of artifacts. Visitors can experience the holographic transformation of Washington as statesman, soldier, farmer, and private citizen. Even the Revolutionary Theater takes 3-D to another level by releasing smoke drifts and vibrating seats when canons are fired on the screen.

If you have a chance to visit the Mt. Vernon, don't miss the Donald W. Reynolds forensically correct museum. It will be well worth your while.