George Washington, letter to Farm Manager (November 23, 1794)


Encounter the people of Washington's World
The Interpretive Performers of our First Person unit provide Mount Vernon visitors with multiple perspectives on George Washington through the eyes of his family, friends, fellow revolutionaries, slaves, employees, and business associates - as well as curious travelers, who were drawn to Mount Vernon in the 18th century just as they are today. Meet real people telling real stories of George Washington and the world he inhabited through our two daily programs: Engaging Encounters and Washington's World.


Engaging Encounters
Encounter the people who lived at, worked at and visited George Washington’s Mount The Vernon Estate between the years 1787 – 1799. As you tour the Mansion grounds you may meet any one: from his slaves and hired workers, to friends and family, to government and business associates – or perhaps simply curious travelers, like yourself, stopping by on a journey.

Mansion Grounds & Pioneer Farm

• March - October: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Daily & 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Daily
   
• November - February: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Tues. - Sat. & 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Daily

Note! 
In the event of inclement weather First Person Characters may be encountered in the Greenhouse or Education & Orientation Centers.

Current First Person Interpretive Characters that may be encountered

On the Mansion Grounds

Dr. Craik - Click to enlarge

Dr. James Craik – George Washington’s personal physician and close friend of 40 years; a frequent visitor to Mount Vernon.

Billy Lee, The General''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s longtime Valet

Billy Lee - Mount Vernon enslaved person and The General's trusted Valet for two decades, now working as a shoemaker due to physical disabilities. 

Charlotte, Mrs. Washington''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s Seamstress

Charlotte - Mount Vernon enslaved person, seamstress to Mrs. Washington and possessed of a spirited disposition.




















At the Farm

James Anderson - Click to enlarge

James Anderson – Scottish Farm Manager; he proposed, and advised in, the building of Gen. Washington Whiskey Distillery.




















Silla – A Mount Vernon enslaved person; she worked as a field hand at Dogue Run Farm and her husband Slammin’ Joe, a Mansion Farm enslaved person, joined her and their children on the weekend.







At the Distillery

John Anderson - Click to enlarge

John Anderson – Son of James Anderson and Manager for the General's Whiskey Distillery.

Peter Bingle - Click to enlarge

Peter Bingle – Distiller and Asst. Manager at the Whiskey Distillery.




















Washington’s World
George Washington strode both the world stage and the ground of Mount Vernon; at the Greenhouse Theatre you’ll get the chance to meet some of the people from his larger world away from Mount Vernon as well as those from here at his home. Everyone you meet will have an interesting perspective on George Washington.

The Greenhouse, #4 on your Visitor Map, in the Upper Garden

• March - October, Daily 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 4:00 pm
  
• November - February, Daily 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm & 3:30 pm

Note! 
The Performance Schedule telling which characters are appearing is posted at the entrance to the Upper Garden from the Bowling Green. Schedule variations may occur due to inclement weather or the unforeseen.

Current First Person Performances in the Greenhouse

Patrick Henry - Click to enlarge

Patrick Henry, Founding Father
“Empire or Liberty”
Mr. Henry speaks from the Virginia Ratification Convention in the Summer of 1788 on including a Bill of Rights in the newly drafted U.S. Constitution before it is ratified – an opinion that puts him in opposition with his friend and fellow Virginian, George Washington.

Charlotte, Mrs. Washington''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s Seamstress

Charlotte, Mount Vernon Slave
“To Lower Her Spirit”
Charlotte, Seamstress to Mrs. Washington and possessed of a spirited personality, speaks of her life at Mount Vernon and reveals some surprising experiences.

William "Billy" Lee, The General''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s longtime Valet

Billy Lee, Mount Vernon Slave, General Washington's Valet
"For His Faithful Services"
Billy Lee, whose two decades of servitude included riding at General Washington's side during the Revolutionary War, speaks on his experiences with and observations of the General.

Dr. Craik - Click to enlarge

Dr. James Craik
“We Shall Not Look Upon His Like Again”
Dr. Craik, George Washington’s personal physician and close friend of 40 years, tells of the vigil during the General's final hours.

Marquis de la Fayette - Click to enlarge

Marquis de la Fayette, Patriot
“For The Black Part of Mankind”
General Lafayette speaks of his efforts to end slavery in the young United States and Revolutionary France. 



















Questions or comments?
Contact:
K. Ken Johnston
Manager of First Person Interpretation
703.799.5219