The $106.4 million Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington opened in Mount Vernon last Friday, Sept. 27, with much fanfare.

The U-shaped library includes a three-level, 45,000-sq-ft. building and 6,000-sq-ft. scholars’ residence made of limestone, stucco metal and glass exterior finishes. There are 12-foot ceilings in public spaces to accentuate light; windows and doors are made of mahogany. Porches and terraces are paved in sandstone. The Architectural firm of Ayers Saint Gross of Baltimore designed the buildings with interiors by MFM Design of Bethesda — to convey the sensibilities of George Washington. Whiting Turner served as the general contractor.

The library has 25,000 sq.-ft. of veneer American Sycamore – a tree that grows in Mount Vernon. In climate-controlled rooms, it will hold more than 12,000 books, journals, audio-visual items, information files and electronic resources. It will house stacks of 2,500 rare books, 6,000 historical manuscripts, 5,000 special collection items (scrapbooks, photos, postcards) as well as articles and reference materials from George Washington as well as papers owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. The library will host a variety of events, including lectures, education programs, symposia and meetings, said Library Director Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D.

Donald W. Reynolds was a media entrepreneur from Oklahoma whose Donrey Media Group grew to $1 billion in holdings. He remained active in philanthropy until his death in 1993. In 2010, a Capital Campaign was launched to fund the construction.

Other major contributors were John and Adrienne Mars of McLean (of Mars candy) who gave $10 million for the Rare Books and Manuscripts Room; as well as Richard and Helen DeVos, who gave $10 million for the construction of the Richard and Helen DeVos House — a 7,300 sq.-ft. guest house for visiting scholars and fellows.

In February, philanthropist David M. Rubenstein contributed $10 million, enabling Mount Vernon to exceed its $100 million capital campaign goal seven months ahead of schedule. It also provides seed funding for a new fellowship program for college students. The largest meeting room named for Rubenstein will seat 100 people auditorium-style. Contributor’s names are written on a “Wall of Honor.”

Ann H. Bookout, the 20th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, said the George Washington estate was purchased from the Washington family in 1858 for $200,000. That included the mansion, outbuildings and 200 acres from John Augustine Washington III, a great-grandnephew of George Washington. She said that initiative started the historic preservation movement in the U.S. She added that 85 million visitors have walked through the doors since 1860 — making it the most visited historic home in America. Under their stewardship, the estate has been restored to its 1799 appearance — the year of George Washington’s death.

“This is a defining moment in the life of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association,” said the Rev. Donald D. Binder of Historic Pohick Church — the place where George Washington worshiped.

It was a “long-time in coming,” said Mark Warner, who reminded everyone that George Washington was a “fiscal conservative” who cautioned about spending, saying taxation was “vital.” He reminded everyone that George Washington’s name is attached to countless streets, towns and schools across the U.S., and referenced George Washington’s “The Rules of Civility,” written at age of 16 — Rule #35: “Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.”

Author McCullough cited George Washington’s patriotism and leadership, his attention to details and physical appearances. “George Washington was a man of action, and yes, actions speak louder than words,” he said. “But words can change history …. We can never know enough about George Washington.”

McCullough also praised the volunteers and benefactors for their “joint effort,” individually thanking those who made it happen. And with the pending government shutdown, he joked: “Maybe we should ask the Ladies Association of Mount Vernon to take over.”

After the grand-opening, hundreds of guests could tour the library and grounds.

Public information: 703-780-2000; or www.mountvernon.org.