Meet an Interpreter: Charlene Williamson

Have you ever wondered about the historic interpreters that you meet at Mount Vernon? How were they so lucky to get a job where they look out at one of the best views in the country all day long? Are they all history majors? How can they stand in that heat all day while still telling the story of Washington’s life for eight hours? Do they just really really really like George Washington? Well, we would like to introduce you to some of the over 100 interpreters that go through a rigorous training and read A LOT of books in order to teach millions of visitors about Mount Vernon. Our first interpreter that we would like you to meet is Charlene Williamson, our lead interpreter, who has worked at Mount Vernon for the past two years…

GWW: Why did you become an interpreter?
CW: I have always been a lover of history, but never found a way to channel that interest. I visited Mount Vernon one day with my mom and had the opportunity to view the riverfront view and thought no one could ask for a better office than that. I continue working here because I love the opportunity to learn more about Washington’s life.
GWW: If you could be any 18th century historical figure, who would it be?
CW: I have always been an admirer of Oney Judge. I discuss her story very frequently during my slave life tours. She was a Washington slave who escaped to freedom while serving in the presidential home in Philadelphia. She was a woman of great courage who felt her freedom was more important than the “prestige” or somewhat “privileged” life most felt she enjoyed as a slave of the Washington family.

GWW: If George Washington had a middle name (he did not), what do you think it should be?
CW: His middle name should have been John or Augustine, which were both family names.

GWW: What do you like the most about being an interpreter?
CW: Although our job responsibilities remain static, no two days are ever the same. There is unpredictability in the predictability. It keeps us sharp and active.

GWW: What is the funniest that has happened while you were interpreting?
CW: While posted at the Tomb one day, I had a chance to interpret to a group of teenagers. One of the girls in the group declared that when she dies she wants to be cremated. When asked why, she said, with the most serious and gravest of expressions, “Because I’m claustrophobic.” I could not have said anything had I wanted to because I was laughing so hard… to myself, though, of course.

GWW: What is your favorite place at Mount Vernon?
CW: My favorite place at Mount Vernon is the riverfront. There is something very soothing and calming about the water. I travel via the George Washington Parkway as frequently as I can.

GWW: What are some fun tidbits about you?
CW: I collect books. Tons of them. I have so many books that I could not possibly ever read them all. I hate shopping, but point me in the direction of a thrift store or flea market and I’ll never want to leave. I have found the best stuff in those places. I enjoy writing. I also collect dolls dressed in period costume. My main interest, outside of Mount Vernon is my 14-year-old son who has a very active life these days. I have somehow managed to become both a band mother and crew mother without quite realizing how it happened.

GWW: What is your favorite (non-George Washington) book?
CW: Believe it or not, my favorite series of books is the Trixie Belden, Girl Detective series. On a more mature level, I enjoy reading any material pertaining to Civil War history, which is my favorite era of history. I also thoroughly enjoyed No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin, which is a history/biography of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s partnership.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 8th, 2008 at 3:16 pm and is filed under George Washington. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.