George Washington ‘First Oval Office Project’ Comes to Tryon Palace for America 250

George Washington ‘First Oval Office Project’ Comes to Tryon Palace for America 250

(NEW BERN, NC) March 11, 2026 - The Museum of the American Revolution’s First Oval Office Project, featuring a hand-stitched replica of George Washington’s sleeping and office tent which served as the command center for the Continental Army, is coming to the Tryon Palace historic site in New Bern March 26 -28. Tryon Palace is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). The First Oval Office Project and its adjoining educational programming is a signature event for DNCR’s America 250 NC initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrate North Carolina’s important role in the American Revolution.

“Tryon Palace will be the only site in North Carolina to host the First Oval Office Project during 2026,” said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “This immersive living history program can provide us a deeper understanding of the Revolutionary War by telling the story of General Washington and all those who served alongside him.”

The First Oval Office Project travels the country providing interactive education and outreach programming that brings George Washington’s wartime headquarters to life. At the heart of this interpretation is the full-scale replica of Washington’s Revolutionary War tent — where he slept, made critical decisions, wrote correspondence, and led the Continental Army. Often referred to as the “First Oval Office,” the original tent was a command center and is a continuing symbol of leadership. A team of interpreters from Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution — where the original sleeping and office tent is on permanent display — will be on site to guide visitors and answer questions about Washington’s military life while on campaign.

“Tryon Palace is excited to host this special event during America’s semiquincentennial year,” said Executive Director Chrystal Regan. “This inspiring program is one you will not want to miss.”

Tickets for touring the First Oval Office Project are $20 for adults and $10 for youth, and may be purchased online at https://www.tryonpalace.org/events/the-first-oval-office-project, or at the North Carolina History Center Ticket Desk (529 S. Front St.), or at the Waystation Ticket Office just across from the Palace’s front gates (610 Pollock St.). For more information, go to tryonpalace.org or call 252-639-3525.