Teaching American History Grants

Mount Vernon is pleased to provide professional development opportunities for teachers enrolled in Teaching American History Grant programs. We have designed a menu of residential and one-day programs presented by curators, archaeologists, historians, educators, and other subject matter experts from Mount Vernon's staff and partnering institutions.

The following list includes just a few examples of the scholarly presentations that can be arranged through Mount Vernon’s Education Department, in addition to special tours, private evening events, and dinners at the Mount Vernon Inn. Please review the complete Teaching American History Grants Program Menu and our new three-night residential program, Teachers Not Tourists, before booking your program.

Sample Content Sessions

George Washington’s Business Sense

At its height, Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation was one of the largest in Virginia, with 8,000 acres of land cultivated by more than 300 enslaved laborers. This illustrated lecture will explore Washington’s diverse business enterprises at Mount Vernon and place them within the context of his life and times.

George Washington’s Leadership
Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor and author

This presentation discusses the combination of factors and talents that led George Washington to be such a strong leader, making him the inevitable choice as the nation’s first president.
 
Revealing Mount Vernon’s Past through Archaeology
Dr. Esther White, Director of Archaeology, Mount Vernon

Learn how archaeological artifacts provide important clues to life at Mount Vernon in the 18th century, and how ongoing archaeological projects will shape future restorations on the Estate.

George Washington: Architect

This slide-illustrated lecture will focus on Washington’s little-understood architectural accomplishments by tracing the changes Washington made to his home, identifying the many sources that influenced his architectural designs, and relating those changes to Washington’s larger vision for a free and united America.
 
Getting in Touch with George Washington

Through this exploration of Mount Vernon’s collections, teachers discover George Washington and the world in which he lived.
 
Slave Life at Mount Vernon
Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor and author

Discusses the nuances of George Washington’s views on slavery and how the slaves of Mount Vernon lived their daily lives. A visit to Mount Vernon’s newly restored Slave Cabin is included.

The Washington Family: An Elementary Classroom Workshop
Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor and author and Marlene Henriques

This interactive workshop is aimed at social studies teachers who want to bring the life of George Washington and his family into the classroom in a hands-on way.

For further details on scheduling your Teaching American History or Teachers Not Tourists program, contact Danie Schallom in the Mount Vernon Education Department at dschallom@mountvernon.org. If you would like to bring your own speaker to Mount Vernon, please contact us to arrange a space and accompanying activities. Menus for the Mount Vernon Inn are also available by email.