Would you like to bring Mount Vernon to YOUR classroom? Mount Vernon's new "Face to Face" videoconferencing program allows students to speak to the people that lived with our nation's first president. Each program will allow students a different perspective of George Washington, as he is viewed through the eyes of his family, friends, fellow revolutionaries, and slaves.
From Dawn to Dusk: Slave Life at Mount Vernon
This videoconference introduces students to Billy Lee, Washington's manservant who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. At the time of Washington's death in 1799, there were over 300 slaves on the five farms that made up Mount Vernon. As a working plantation, slaves worked from dawn to dusk in the fields, stables, and gardens, and at the mansion house caring for the Washington family and their many guests. A pre-videoconference lesson plan will provide primary documents that will help students write their own story about a slave at Mount Vernon to share with Billy Lee. Grades 6-8.
The Music & Games of Mount Vernon's Slave Families
Students will learn a song that would have been sung by slaves working on one of Washington's five farms and discuss topics such as farming, slave life at Mount Vernon, and the Washington family. A pre-videoconference trunk of colonial instruments and games will be sent to your school upon program registration. Grades 3-5.
Once Upon A Time at Mount Vernon
As a young boy, Washington heard the same Aesop's Fables that are told to children today. In a new take on classic stories, Mount Vernon's storytellers will bring the fables to Mount Vernon, teaching about animals, farming, and history- but always with a moral, of course. Our interactive stories are geared towards young children but will be enjoyed by all. Grades 1-2. Available Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. EST.
The First First Lady: An Audience with Martha Washington
Students will meet the very first First Lady, Martha Washington, and hear her tales of life at Mount Vernon. In this program, Mrs. Washington will bring her 40 years at Mount Vernon to life, recounting the daily adventures of her children, grandchildren, and many pets (including a dog named Sweetlips!). Mrs. Washington will also answer questions about her winters in the Revolutionary War camps and the obstacles faced by her and her famous husband in the first presidency. All grades.
Dr. Craik, Presidential Physician
Students will meet Dr. James Craik, George Washington's personal physician and good friend, and hear his tales from Mount Vernon. Dr. Craik will explain why the medicine and science that was available in the 18th century could not save Washington's life from a disease that is easily treatable today. Grades 4-12.
Scheduling "Face to Face" Videoconferences
Each thirty minute videoconference program is $100 and customized to the grade level of the participants. Mount Vernon uses IP and ISDN connections and a test connection is required at least one week before the program. All registration is done through CILC. Teaching resources will be sent to each teacher to assist with incorporating videoconference programs into curriculum. Please contact our Director of Education Outreach Technology, Crystal McCliggott, at cmccliggott@mountvernon.org or 703-799-8627, with questions.
