Panelists Libby O’Connell, Chief Historian, The History Channel; actor Sebastian Roche, George Washington in We Fight to be Free; and James C. Rees, Executive Director of Mount Vernon join host Chris Matthews to discuss how historic sites and classroom teachers increasingly capitalize on the interest film and popular culture generates in historical events, places, and people. In 2006, Mount Vernon introduced a Hollywood-style orientation film, We Fight To Be Free, which was written, produced and directed to bring George Washington to life in a way that dramatically captures visitors’ interest. The History Channel produced a series of docudrama videos for Mount Vernon’s new exhibition galleries. And National Treasure: Book of Secrets filmed on location at a variety of “national treasures,” including Mount Vernon. What lessons can classroom teachers, as well as sites such as Mount Vernon, learn from Hollywood to blend education and storytelling in a manner that will engage and excite interest in history? How effectively can film and fact blend? Join us as our panelists discuss these ideas and more when History Meets Hollywood.

The free program was a production of the Fairfax Network and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. It was broadcast live from Mount Vernon on November 28, 2007.