Voices of the Potomac: Multiple Perspectives of the 18th-Century Agricultural Economy
Join educators at George Washington's Mount Vernon and National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park in an exploration of multiple perspectives of individuals living along the Potomac River during the 18th century.
The workshop directly relates to 4th grade standards in Virginia, Maryland, and DC; however, teachers of all grade levels are welcome to register. Please Note: There are a limited number of seats available for this program. Confirmation of registration will be weighed by the date the registration application is received and current teaching status, as well as grade and subject(s) taught.
Programs at both locations will take place indoors and outdoors, and will include walking over uneven terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.
Mount Vernon: July 24, 2018, from 9:30am-4:00pm
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia
Explore the lives of the Washington family and the enslaved individuals who lived and worked along the Potomac River at Mount Vernon. Discover how agriculture affected their daily lives and the larger economy of the Chesapeake Region Workshop participants will gain hands-on experience at Mount Vernon’s Pioneer Farm site as well as knowledge of primary sources, resources, and activities for the classroom associated with 18th-century agriculture.
National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park: July 26, 2018, from 9:30am-4pm
3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland
Explore Piscataway Park and the historical and contemporary lives of the ordinary people who rely on the Potomac. Learn about the experiences of local American Indians with clan leaders from the Cedarville Band of the Piscataway, as well as life on a middling-class tobacco plantation at the National Colonial Farm. Through multiple modalities of learning including theater, outdoor education, hands-on activities, and discussion, teachers will gain skills in using historical context to address topics of cultural competency and diversity with their students.
Optional cocktail hours with light hors-d'oeuvres will be held following each program
Schedule: July 24, 2018 at Mount Vernon
| 9:30am | Registration and Coffee |
| 10:00am | LECTURE: The 18th-Century Chesapeake Economy |
| 11:00am | CLASSROOM APPLICATION: George Washington and the Economy of Mount Vernon Primary Source Activity |
| 11:45am | CLASSROOM APPLICATION: Lives Bound Together Biography Exploration Activity and Small Group Discussions |
| 12:30pm | Lunch (provided by Mount Vernon) |
| 1:30pm | TOUR: The Mansion at George Washington's Mount Vernon |
| 2:45pm | TOUR: The Pioneer Farm |
| 3:45pm | Reflection and Evaluation |
| 5:00pm | Optional: George Washington's Gristmill and Distillery Tour and Reception |
Schedule: July 26, 2018 at National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park
| 9:30am | Registration and Welcome |
| 10:00am | INTRODUCTION: Piscataway Park and the National Colonial Farm |
| 10:15am | PERFORMANCE: Life on a Middling Class Plantation |
| 11:00am | CLASSROOM APPLICATION: Living the American Indian Experience Site-Specific Education and Piscataway Connections to the River |
| 12:30pm | Lunch (provided by Piscataway Park will be local, contemporary Native dishes by Copper Kitchen) |
| 1:00pm | CLASSROOM APPLICATION: Living the American Indian Experience Small Group Discussions and Make & Take Crafts |
| 3:00pm | DISCUSSION: Cultural Competency and Discussing Difficult Topics |
| 3:45pm | Reflection and Evaluation |
| 4:00pm | Optional: Open House and Reception on the National Colonial Farm |