The Washington Memorial Chapel to Plant Tulip Poplar Tree Taken from the Tree Originally Owned by President George Washington

The Chapel to Host an Evensong Mass on Sunday, October 29 Followed by an Event at Defender’s Gate with Special Guest Mount Vernon Horticulturist (Arborist) Dean Norton Valley Forge, PA

(September 21, 2023) – The Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge has announced that it will be planting a Tulip Poplar Tree taken from the tree originally owned by President George Washington during a special ceremony on Sunday, October 29.

The event will begin with an Evensong Mass at 3 PM in the Chapel and will be followed by a procession to Defender’s Gate (up the road from the Chapel) for the official planting. Defender’s Gate was built to mirror the Chapel architecturally and serves as the formal entrance to the Churchyard. It also honors Abraham Lincoln and veterans of the Civil War.

According to Mount Vernon Horticulturist (Arborist) Dean Norton, the Tulip Poplar Tree was not only President Washington’s favorite tree but the sapling comes directly from one he had planted at his Mount Vernon Home. Dean, who has served as Mount Vernon’s Horticulturist for 50 years, was recently appointed to serve on the Committee to Preserve the White House.

The event, which is open to the public, will be followed by a small reception in the 100-year old Cabin Shop Café house in a 100-year old log cabin on the Washington Memorial Campus.

Washington Memorial Chapel is located at Rt. 23 Valley Forge Park, Valley Forge, PA. Defender’s Gate is located at 2400 Valley Forge Park Rd, King of Prussia, PA.