Archive for the ‘Educational Video/DVD’ Category

Every December Mount Vernon hosts its Evening for Educators — a time for nearly 200 area teachers to gather at the estate for a totally free performance, hors d’oeuvres and wine, and candelight tours of George Washington’s Mansion. It’s Mount Vernon’s way of saying thanks to all the educators who work hard keeping America’s children abreast of the nation’s past. This year teachers got a behind-the-scenes peak at the enslaved community at Mount Vernon. Washington’s enslaved servants Billy Lee, Caroline, Oney Judge and Christopher Sheels, plus Thomas Jefferson’s manservant Bob Hemings, discussed what the new constitution might mean for them.

The performance was filmed as part of a Mount Vernon distance learning program, and will air on local Fairfax Network on February 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. Afterwards, it will be available for free on DVD.

Interested in attending next year’s event? Keep an eye out as the holiday season rolls around and RSVP. Find out about programs such as this via our education department’s email listserv: Ask to be included by emailing education@mountvernon.org with your request.

The nation’s first four presidents plus journalist Cokie Roberts joined forces at Mount Vernon on Thursday for the education department’s annual “Evening for Educators.” Although the event usually consists of a lecture, drinks and hors doeuvres, and a holiday tour of the Mansion, teachers this year became part of a live dialogue between George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, which was moderated by Roberts.

The conversation will be part of Mount Vernon’s “Fractured Union” broadcast, which will air soon as a resource for classrooms across the nation. The founding fathers talked about the sometimes tumultuous relationships that they formed while founding the nation. After a somewhat heated discussion, they were able to cool off, mingling with teachers and enjoying a few snacks.

Through dedication and determination, George Washington accomplished the impossible by leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War. On Thursday, October 29th at 1:00 p.m., our panel of historians, including Caroline Cox, William Fowler, Ed Lengel, and Andrew O’Shaughnessy, will explore how Washington’s leadership was instrumental in securing American independence via the distance learning broadcast First in War: George Washington and the American Revolution. Discussion topics on the broadcast will include Washington’s relationship with his generals as well as the common soldier, the British perspective of the war, the turning point at Valley Forge, and the quelling of a rebellion at Newburgh. This program will be broadcast across the nation and available for free by DVD. Check out the Fairfax Network webpage for information about registering or requesting a DVD copy.

Finally, the world is starting to acknowledge what we at Mount Vernon have realized all along- Martha rocked! She was intelligent (she ran her first husband’s very large estate after his death), generous (she graciously hosted hundreds of visitors to Mount Vernon every year), compassionate (she raised money for wounded Revolutionary War veterans’ hospitals), and brave (she risked her life during the war to spend winters in her husband’s camp). And yes, she was beautiful! For the official record, Martha Washington was not born fat, wrinkled, and white-haired. Shocking!

If you are wondering why we have stepped on the Martha soapbox today, it is to let you know that the Washington Post has written a wonderful article announcing Martha Washington’s greatness to the world. Spurred by her “sassy” purple wedding shoes (featured in a previous GWW post), the article is titled, “Fresh Look at Martha Washington: Less First Frump, More Foxy Lady,” which sums it up pretty well. The television show, “Inside Edition” has also latched onto this breaking news and will be broadcasting a feature tonight on the First Lady’s image.

To bring Martha Washington to your classroom, get a free DVD copy of Mount Vernon’s production, “The Real Martha Washington,” featuring historians Cokie Roberts and Rosemary Zagarri. Request it now to receive in time for Women’s History Month in March!