Mount Vernon The Story of a Shrine Author:Gerald W. Johnson An Account of the Rescue and Continuing Restoration of George Washington's Home by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association — In 1853, a group of courageous women formed the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and embarked on America's first national historic preservation project -- to purchase, restore and preserve the historic home of ... more »George Washington. Mount Vernon: The Story of a Shrine tells the remarkable story of the rescue and continuing restoration of the nation's most popular historic home, from the 19th century until today.« less