This high-energy broadcast moderated by Chris Matthews, television news anchor, MSNBC Hardball host, and author of American, explores how historic sites and classroom teachers increasingly capitalize on the interest Hollywood 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 and historic sites learn from Hollywood to blend education and storytelling in a manner that engages and excites interest in history? How effectively can film and fact blend? Join us as our panelists debate the positive and negative results of dramatizing historical figures and events when History Meets Hollywood!
Special Guests: Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer, and Jon Turteltaub, Director, National Treasure: Book of Secrets; James C. Rees, Executive Director of Mount Vernon; Dr. Libby O’Connell, Chief Historian for the History Channel; and actor Sebastian Roché, star of General Hospital and "George Washington" in We Fight to Be Free
Grades 9-12, 60 mins.
Educators: To order a FREE copy of this DVD (one per school), please send the request on school letterhead to: Fairfax Network, 4414 Holborn Avenue, Annandale, VA 22003
Additional copies may be purchased by visiting this link.
