For almost 200 years, a copy of Gilbert Stuart’s famous Lansdowne portrait of George Washington has hung in the Florida Capitol. Now, The George Washington Experience will provide visitors with new and interactive ways to engage with this iconic Historic Capitol exhibit. The George Washington Experience is the Museum’s signature project for the America250 commemoration and includes several long-term and strategic investments to ensure an enduring symbol of our democracy is preserved for and made accessible to future Floridians.
Join us at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum for President’s Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, as we debut our new StoryWalk® experience. Follow along our historic hallways to read The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart’s Brush with George Washington by Sarah Albee and enjoy free craft activities, a special portrait interactive area, and snacks. This StoryWalk® program is part of the Florida Historic Capitol Museum’s George Washington Experience commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The StoryWalk® is recommended for early readers and young history enthusiasts aged 3 – 10, but the illustrations and program activities can be enjoyed by all.
Popular Smithsonian Associates speaker Paul Glenshaw brings his Art+History lecture series to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Hear stories of President George Washington and Gilbert Stuart, the painter whose portraits of Washington are memorialized on the one-dollar bill and in the Lansdowne Portrait, which is on display in the Museum’s Historic House Chamber. How did these two men—so unlike in temperament, class, and life experience—come together to produce what is arguably the definitive portrait of America’s first president? Find out during this George Washington Experience program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Advance registration is required and seating is limited. Non-member fees are $10; Museum members are free. Program fee includes lunch. Register at http://gwexperience2026.square.site today!
Join artist and historian Paul Glenshaw for a fun and instructive exercise in drawing and a closer look at Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington (The Lansdowne Portrait). Glenshaw brings 40 years of practice copying masterpieces to this workshop designed for artists of any skill level. By exploring through drawing, we begin to see the intricate puzzle created by artist Gilbert Stuart, while developing our own drawing and observation skills. Materials will be provided.
Advance registration is required and seating is limited. Non-member fees are $10; Museum members are free. Program fee includes materials. Register at http://gwexperience2026.square.site today!
