Philanthropist David Rubenstein is giving $10 million to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in northern Virginia to build a library for the president's books and papers.
Mount Vernon officials say the gift announced Sunday surpasses their fundraising goal of $100 million for the project. It also marks what would have been Washington's 281st birthday Friday.
The National Library for the Study of George Washington is scheduled to open Sept. 27. It will be a center for scholarly research and leadership training for government, military, nonprofit and corporate officials, as well as students and educators.
Rubenstein, a Bethesda resident and co-founder and managing director of the Carlyle Group, says Washington's character and qualities provide a timeless example of leadership.
The library's largest meeting hall will be named for Rubenstein. His gift also funds a $4 million endowment for rare books and manuscripts.
Mount Vernon is owned and maintained by the nonprofit Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, which relies on ticket sales, retail and dining purchases, and donations like Rubenstein's.
