On May 3, 2026, the CDA Garden Party was held at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden from 4-6 PM. Guests enjoyed the garden’s beautiful spring blooms along with delicious refreshments served in the Abigail Adams Smith Ballroom, while many also took the opportunity to visit the Museum’s exhibit that had opened earlier in the day.

The traditional Sunday afternoon Garden Party provided a joyful occasion for fellowship as CDA members and friends celebrated the season in festive spring attire, complete with elegant hats and vibrant colors. Guests enjoyed the garden’s beautiful spring blooms along with delicious refreshments served in the Abigail Adams Smith Ballroom, while many also took the opportunity to visit the Museum’s exhibit. that opened that day - see page 11 for more on the official exhibition opening hosted by the Council of Proprietors earlier that afternoon.

As part of the museum’s bicentennial celebrations, a new exhibition was unveiled on May 3, 2026, prior to the CDA Garden Party. Entitled “Treasures from the Collection: Founding Fathers,” the exhibition features a remarkable selection of objects connected to America’s Founding Fathers from the Museum’s collection, many of which are rarely placed on public view. The exhibition opening was attended by special guests, with particular recognition given to Chapter XXIII–Virginia, whose generous fundraising efforts underwrote the exhibition and made the installation possible. We were delighted to welcome Chapter President Elizabeth Courts and Past Chapter President Ann Austin for the occasion. Guests enjoyed viewing the beautifully designed exhibition on the second floor while also partaking of delicious refreshments served in the Tavern Room — allowing attendees to experience the warm hospitality visitors to the Mount Vernon Hotel might similarly have enjoyed two centuries ago.