ABILENE, Kan. -  George Washington's personal copy of the Laws of the United States, First Session 1789, also known as the Acts of Congress, will be on display at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum April 23 through May 3. This exhibit is on a nationwide tour to each of the 13 Presidential Libraries through a special partnership between the National Archives and the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.

George Washington's Acts of Congress

The Museum will have extended hours and remain open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the run of this exhibit. There will also be a Late Night at the Museum on Saturday, April 27, until 10 p.m. allowing extra time for visitors to experience this history first-hand.  

In addition to the exhibit, two special programs are scheduled on April 27. Both programs will be led by Susan Schoelwer, Curator at George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum, Estate, and Gardens. She holds a doctorate in American Studies from Yale University and a master's degree from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture.   

• The Lady of the House: Martha Washington's Mount Vernon program and tea, 2 p.m., Library Courtyard, $25 fee includes Museum admission. Reservations required by Friday, April 19.  Checks should be made payable to Eisenhower Presidential Library and mailed to P.O. Box 339, Abilene, Kansas 67410, Attn: Public Programs. Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume. 
• The Man Who Would Not Be King: George Washington Sets the Style of the Presidency, 7 p.m. This free program will be held in the Visitors Center Auditorium and includes a reception. 

Celebrated as one of the most historic works in George Washington's library, his copy of the Acts of Congress contains key documents establishing the American republic. This remarkably well-preserved book includes the Constitution, Bill of Rights and other legislation passed by the first session of Congress, complete with his personal annotations. 

Supplementing the exhibit are nearly a dozen Washington-related artifacts pulled from the Eisenhower collection, including a letter written by Washington and a portrait of the first President painted by President Eisenhower. Oversized display panels will include fun and educational components providing accurate biographical information while busting a few Washington myths and legends.

After the tour, the Acts of Congress will take permanent residence at The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington. It is currently under construction by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association on Washington's estate and scheduled to open September 2013.