National History Day 2021

George and Martha Washington had access to paper, ink, and education and often used letters and read newspapers to communicate. But what did the majority of people in Colonial Times do to communicate? Most people would likely come from families that didn’t have ready access to pen, paper, or an education. How would they learn about the world they lived in and how it was changing? Where would they travel to and who would they talk to learn about revolutionary ideas?

Use the links below to explore sources and expertise on different communication methods of the18th century: written, verbal, and the use of travel to share ideas. Don’t forget music and singing too!

Written Communication in the 18th Century

Letter Writing in the 18th Century

Writing in George Washington’s era was a complex technical process that required a diverse array of materials and techniques, often difficult or expensive to acquire, and laden with social meaning.

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Primary Source Letters

Our Special Collections is full of letters written by George Washington and the people close to him.

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Rules of Civility

George Washington wrote out a copy of the 110 Rules of Civility in his school book when he was about 14-years old. This exercise, now regarded as a formative influence in the development of his character, included guidelines for behavior in pleasant company, appropriate actions in formal situations, and general courtesies.

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The Journal of Major George Washington

Washington wrote a report of his two-and-a-half month trans-Allegheny journey, stretching from October 31, 1753 until January 16, 1754. Dinwiddie immediately rushed the report into print in Williamsburg in order to awaken colonial and British officials to the urgent need to defend the western frontier from French encroachment.

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Front Page of the Virginia Gazette

This issue includes a one-of-a-kind schematic of the Breed’s Hill/Bunker Hill battlefield on its front page (see center column). This newspaper brought “fresh” news of the bloody battle near Boston which occurred on June 17, 1775.

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Spy Techniques of the Revolutionary War

Spycraft during the American Revolution consisted of a complicated system of hidden networks, interpersonal relationships, scientific knowledge, personal cunning, risk taking, and important written communication.

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George Washington's Library

During his lifetime, George Washington amassed a library consisting of over 900 books, plus dozens of pamphlets and other publications, for a total of more than 1,200 titles. Washington's library included books on agriculture, the military, history, politics, philosophy, and travel, as well as literature, plays, reference works, and books in foreign languages, including French, Dutch, and Latin.

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Did Washington have good Handwriting?

One of our librarians tackles the question of George Washington's handwriting. On view are letters written by Washington when…

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Verbal Communication and Music in the 18th Century

Music in Washington's World

Although he may not have been musically-inclined himself, Washington lived in a world surrounded by music. Both inside and outside the home, music was an important way to express information in the 18th century.

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Music in the Revolutionary War

During the Revolution, the army used fifes and drums not only to boast morale, but also for communication and regimentation.

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Community and Tradition in the Enslaved Community

Maintaining customs and community allowed Mount Vernon's enslaved people to affirm their humanity in a world that denied it. Music, storytelling, and religion provided an emotional outlet and carried on traditions—some from Africa and others forged in years of enslavement.

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Harpsicord

George Washington ordered this top-of-the-line, double-manual harpsichord from London for his step-granddaughter Nelly Custis.

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Bull Finch

The Bull-Finch is a songster, that is, a bound collection of lyrics to songs without musical notation of their melodies.

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Compilation of Enslaved Workers Songs

Music was an important part of daily life for enslaved people. Singing and dancing could continue African traditions, make work…

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Travel and Communication in the 18th Century

Washington and Travel

Washington traversed through most of the new United States, stretching north to New England, south to Georgia, and as far west as the Ohio Valley. In the course of his travels Washington met a variety of people.

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Hospitality at Mount Vernon

Before the Revolution the Washingtons welcomed many guests to Mount Vernon. However, George Washington's eventual status as a world figure in the post-Revolutionary Era brought considerably larger numbers of guests to the Estate

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Slammin' Joe on 18th Century Culture

Slammin’ Joe, a dower slave belonging to the estate of Martha Washington’s first husband, worked as a ditch digger at George Washington’s Mansion House farm. Whenever possible, he traveled to spend time with his wife Pricilla (Silla), a Washington slave and field worker, and their six children who lived at the outlying Dogue Run farm.

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Priscilla

Priscilla was born around 1763. She lived and worked at Dogue Run Farm with her six children. She was married to Joe who worked as an enslaved ditcher at Mansion Farm, which means she largely raised her six children on her own with the Dogue Run community.

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Washington's Travels

Follow this interactive lesson that explores Washington's travels throughout his life.

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18th Century Travel

Dr. Joe Stoltz III explains many of the hardships everyone faced in travel during the 18th century.

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National History Day 2021: Communication in History

Written Communication in the 18th Century

Letter Writing in the 18th Century

Primary Source Letters

Rules of Civility

The Journal of Major George Washington

Front Page of the Virginia Gazette

Spy Techniques of the Revolutionary War

George Washington's Library

Did Washington have good Handwriting?

Verbal Communication and Music in the 18th Century

Music in Washington's World

Music in the Revolutionary War

Community and Tradition in the Enslaved Community

Harpsicord

Bull Finch

Compilation of Enslaved Workers Songs

Travel and Communication in the 18th Century

Washington and Travel

Hospitality at Mount Vernon

Slammin' Joe on 18th Century Culture

Priscilla

Washington's Travels

18th Century Travel

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