George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is pleased to participate in the Teaching American History Grant program! 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 the Mount Vernon 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
 |
Presented by Dr. Dennis J. Pogue, Associate Director for Preservation, Mount Vernon
George Washington’s exploits as a visionary and highly successful agriculturist and entrepreneur are virtually unknown. At its height, his 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 and place them within the context of his life and times.
George Washington’s Leadership
Presented by Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor and author of Realistic Visionary
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 first President.
 |
Revealing Mount Vernon’s Past through Archaeology
Presented by Esther White, Director of Archaeology, Mount Vernon
Learn why archaeological artifacts are the key to life at Mount Vernon in the 18th century, and how the ongoing archaeological projects shape future restorations of Mount Vernon Estate.
George Washington: Architect
Presented by Dr. Dennis J. Pogue, Associate Director for Preservation, Mount Vernon
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
Presented by Laura Simo, Assistant Curator, Mount Vernon
This objects-based exploration of Mount Vernon’s Collections lets teachers discover George Washington and the colonial world he lived in through the material culture of Mount Vernon.
History Takes Place
Presented by Dr. Kathleen Anderson Steeves, The National Council for the Social Studies
This workshop examines the use of place in the study of historic events and people. It engages the participants in an exploration of the ways that the physical space that is the Mount Vernon estate can deepen our understanding of the life and times of George Washington.
 |
Slave Life at Mount Vernon
Presented by Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor and author of Realistic Visionary
This presentation discusses the nuances of George Washington’s views on slavery and how the slaves of Mount Vernon lived their daily lives. A tour of the newly restored Slave Cabin can be included.
The Washington Family: An Elementary Classroom Workshop
Presented by Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor and author of Realistic Visionary, 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 elementary students.
Presented by Raymond Smock, Director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies at Shepherd University
George Washington’s role as President of the Constitutional Convention is often overlooked. He began writing of the need to establish a strong, independent nation under one “Federal Head” long before the Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia in 1787. This presentation will discuss in depth the role that George Washington played in the Constitution and the events that shaped his decisions.
For further details on scheduling your Teaching American History or Teachers Not Tourists program, contact the Mount Vernon Education Department at Education@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.