Archive for the ‘Teacher Opportunities’ Category

In the 18th century, George Washington’s hogs ran wild in the woods until they were caught, fattened on corn and potatoes, and slaughtered for food each fall. Today, Mount Vernon’s Ossabaw Island hogs lead an easier life — especially the seven piglets that reside on the farm this summer.

Here at Mount Vernon, hogs not only make for nice hams but also nice lesson plans.

George Washington is on the move once again! Students have been taking “Paper George” to historic sites across the country in order to find out whether George Washington ever visited them. Six- year old Isaac from Baltimore visited Hampton Mansion National Site in Towson with “Paper George” recently and discovered that while Washington likely socialized with the family that owned the site, the house itself was built when he was in his later years and so he probably never visited. Thanks, Isaac, for sharing your findings with us! For more information about “Paper George” or to request a copy, please email Diana Cordray at dcordray@mountvernon.org.

Are you the type of history teacher that brings a glimmer of excitement to your students eyes when you say the words, “Revolutionary War”? Have you ever dressed up in historical costume in the classroom? Are fellow teachers always on the look out to see what exciting things you’re up to this week? Well then, pay attention: the Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year Award is now open to applicants! This award is open to any history teacher that resides in Virginia, Maryland, or D.C. and would like to win a $5,000 cash prize, an all expenses-paid field trip to Mount Vernon, and an invitation to join us at the 2011 George Washington Teachers’ Institute. One runner-up will receive an all expenses-paid field trips to Mount Vernon. More information on applying can be found on our website. Applications are due May 21st.

The history of the slaves that lived and worked at Mount Vernon is an integral part of the story that we tell. George Washington spent 40 years transforming a small farmhouse into the iconic mansion that stands today, as well as expanding his land to include five farms, a gristmill, distillery, and blacksmith shop. While Washington played a very active role in overseeing his farms and managing renovations on his home, he was no DIY-er. At Washington’s death in 1799, there were 316 slaves living and working at Mount Vernon, and it was these men, women, and children who made Mount Vernon a beautiful, prosperous plantation. To ensure that these individuals are not ignored in the classroom, we provide a range of lesson plans about slave life at Mount Vernon on our website. The elementary lesson “A Day at Mount Vernon” uses a story to show the connections between the Washington family and their slaves, the middle school lesson, “Washington & Slavery: 1799 Census” examines the slave census that Washington compiled shortly before his death, and the high school lesson, “George Washington Stood Here on the Issue of Slavery” examines the contradictions of being both a slave owner and a freedom fighter. Please leave a comment about ways that you teach about colonial slavery in your classroom!