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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Ashley Berke Lauren Saul Director of Public Relations Public Relations Manager 215.409.6693 215.409.6895 [email protected] [email protected]

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR AND PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR JANE HAMPTON COOK GIVES NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER VISITORS AN INTIMATE LOOK AT GEORGE

Gallery talks will take place inside the must-see exhibition of the summer, Discover the Real : New Views from

Philadelphia, PA (July 13, 2011) – The National Constitution Center’s “Summer of Washington” heats up as presidential historian, TV analyst and award-winning author Jane Hampton Cook visits the Center to discuss her recent books, What Does the President Look Like? and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War. Hampton Cook will deliver gallery talks inside the Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon exhibition on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Admission to the gallery talks is included in the ticket price for Discover the Real George Washington. Reservations can be made by calling 215.409.6700.

Cook’s most recent children’s book, What Does the President Look Like?, explores how technology and new inventions have shaped public perception of our nation’s presidents throughout history. In the Discover the Real George Washington exhibition, visitors are greeted by the famous Gilbert Stuart painting that many will recognize as the portrait of Washington on the dollar bill. In contrast to today’s digital age, most Americans who lived during Washington’s time would not have known what their president looked like unless they had the opportunity to meet him in person. Stuart’s portraits gave a likeness to Washington that Americans could finally identify.

In addition, visitors to the exhibition will have an even better sense of what Washington looked -MORE- ADD ONE/JANE HAMPTON COOK like through three full-size, life-like figures developed using the latest forensic research. The figures show him as a 19-year-old surveyor, a 45-year-old general, and a 57-year-old president. The wax figure of Washington as a young surveyor holds extreme significance, as no portraits exist of Washington under the age of 40.

During her talks, Hampton Cook also will discuss her book, Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, which features excerpts from original manuscripts, letters and speeches of key players in the Revolution, including George Washington. Cook will explore when the seeds of revolution may have blossomed in the hearts and minds of George and and the character traits that led them to live loudly for liberty. In the Discover the Real George Washington exhibition, visitors will learn about Washington’s unanimous election as Commander-in-Chief of the and how he led this army for eight years, eventually achieving victory over Great Britain, the world’s most powerful military force at that time. Courageous, determined, inventive, and selfless, Washington was devoted to his men. With whole-hearted commitment, he led his troops to one of history’s most remarkable come- from-behind victories.

Jane Hampton Cook makes history memorable and relevant to today’s news, current events, and modern-day life. A public speaker and frequent guest on FOX News Channel and other media outlets, Hampton Cook is the award-winning author of six books. She served former President George W. Bush as a webmaster for five years, including two in the and three in the Texas governor’s office. She also is a guest contributor to the National Constitution Center’s blog, Constitution Daily. A member of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., she lives with her husband and two sons in Vienna, Virginia.

A book sale and signing will follow each gallery talk, courtesy of Joseph Fox Bookshop.

Through September 5, 2011, the National Constitution Center is hosting Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon. Organized by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the exhibition gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s first president through his achievements, legacies, family, -MORE- ADD TWO/JANE HAMPTON COOK intellectual pursuits, and entrepreneurial ventures. Nearly 100 objects from Mount Vernon’s world-class collection, including full-scale figures of Washington, architectural models, decorative and fine art items, maps, manuscripts, and paintings reveal the personal side of Washington and uncover his roles as an entrepreneur, farmer, and businessman.

Families can save a pocketful of “Washingtons” during the Center’s first-ever Kids Free Summer promotion: free admission to the Center for up to four children (ages 12 and under) with one paying adult.

Beyond the Center’s exhibition, organizations across the region are coming together to make the “Summer of Washington” a can’t-miss experience. A special “Summer of Washington” map and a dynamic mobile application will lead visitors to sites offering a myriad of options for Washington fans of all ages.

Admission to Discover the Real George Washington is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 65 and up) and students. Children ages 12 and under and active military are FREE. Group rates also are available. Admission to the Center’s core exhibition, The Story of We the People, including the award-winning theater production “Freedom Rising,” is included. iPod audio tours cost an additional $5. For ticket information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

6abc is the official media partner of Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon.

The National Constitution Center, located at 525 Arch St. on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the ideas and values it represents. The Center serves as a museum, an education center, and a forum for debate on constitutional issues. The museum dramatically tells the story of the Constitution from Revolutionary times to the present through more than 100 interactive, multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture and artifacts, and features a powerful, award-winning theatrical performance, -MORE- ADD THREE/JANE HAMPTON COOK

“Freedom Rising.” The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which serves as the hub for national constitutional education. Also, as a nonpartisan forum for constitutional discourse, the Center presents – without endorsement – programs that contain diverse viewpoints on a broad range of issues. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org. ###