June 11, 2008
by Mount Vernon Education Department
(A dispatch from Mount Vernon’s First Person Interpretation Unit)
… well, not literally. However, the First Person Unit has indeed added a new character to engage Mount Vernon’s guests: William “Billy” Lee, General Washington’s trusted and longtime enslaved Valet - and the first slave freed by Washington’s will.
The new character is played by former Williamsburg Actor-Interpreter Willie Wright, who was drawn to the role by the interesting possibilities offered in portraying such a longtime companion to the General. As Mr. Wright explains, “Billy Lee will be able to offer unexpected and intimate glimpses into George Washington the man. As both a slave and a companion who rode by the General’s side through the Revolution, he has a unique point of view.”
Continue reading Washington’s Valet, Billy Lee, Rides Again! »
Category: First-Person Interpretation, Slavery
May 8, 2008
by Mount Vernon Education Department
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!
Category: Classroom Resources, Educational Video/DVD, George Washington, Grants, Research/Lectures, Slavery, Teacher Opportunities, Washington Portraits
