Archive for the ‘George Washington’ Category

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. Continue reading Meet an Interpreter: Charlene Williamson »

The Seventh Annual George Washington Teachers’ Institute

“Establishing a Nation: The Constitution”

July 21-22, 2008

Mount Vernon

“We exhibit at present the Novel and astonishing Spectacle of a whole People deliberating calmly on what form of government will be the most conducive to their happiness; and deciding with an unexpected degree of unanimity in favour of a System which they conceive calculated to answer the purpose.” - George Washington, 1788

Educators, we welcome your reservations to attend the Seventh Annual George Washington Teachers’ Institute, which will take place on July 21-22 at Mount Vernon. 2008’s Institute will focus on the Constitution and feature the usual array of noted historians and authors, including Cokie Roberts, Woody Holton, John Kaminski, Katherine Allgor, Harlow Unger, Ken Bowling, and Linda Monk. For more details and the daily agenda, read on or download the schedule flyer here.

Reservations are absolutely required.

Please reserve by calling 703-799-8604 or emailing Education@mountvernon.org.

Spaces are limited for this popular event; you may be placed on a waiting list.

Continue reading Reserve Now for the George Washington Teachers’ Institute! »

As you may have heard, Mount Vernon’s recent initiative to “bring George Washington back to school” has proven a resounding success! To date, about 2,000 schools have received (and about 4,000 schools have requested) our free, framed reproductions of Rembrandt Peale’s Porthole Portrait of George Washington. All portraits are accompanied by a “George Washington Celebration Kit” of teaching resources and an American flag that has been flown over Mount Vernon (courtesy of a small army of energetic Mount Vernon volunteers!). Recipients have shared gracious letters of thanks praising the portrait’s potential to inspire students and other members of the school community.

We’re grateful that schools have so enthusiastically responded to this effort to restore the first president’s portrait to our nation’s K-12 educational institutions. We also appreciate the kind patience of schools currently on our waiting list. Finally, enormous thanks are due to the many generous private donors responsible for funding this ongoing project. (Mount Vernon does not receive government funding of any kind.) We will continue to provide portraits for as long as we’re able!

View answers to common questions about our portrait program!

Enjoy our online jigsaw puzzle version of the portrait!