Residential Programs
Learn more about the George Washington Teacher Institute Residential Programs
Slavery in Washington's World explores both the experiences of the enslaved individuals at Mount Vernon and Washington's views on the institution of slavery.
Illustrated list of facts about the home of George Washington.
Video (5:33 minutes) comilation of songs sung by enslaved people songs. The video includes Sit Down Servant, Sit Down; Hoe Emma Hoe; and Fungalafia.
Profiles of 18 individuals enslaved at Mount Vernon based on research from George Washington's records.
Article discussing slavery and George Washington.
Student worksheet on a painting depicting George Washington as a farmer at Mount Vernon.
List of the enslaved individuals living and working at Mount Vernon made by George Washington in June 1799.
Lesson plan using George Washington's list of enslaved people from 1799 to examine his role as a businessman and slave owner and to provide information about the institution of slavery in the 18th century.
Lesson plan exploring Washington's views on slavery and the paradox of his slave ownership.
Article about Martha Washington's great cake recipe.
Recipe for making Martha Washington's favorite cake.
Video (1:21 minutes) of the song Hoe Emma Hoe.
Readers' Theater and Read Aloud Story exploring the daily lives of the people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon.
An inquiry based module that asks students to answer a why ice cream was an exclusive treat at Mount Vernon by exploring three Supporting Questions and analyzing primary and secondary sources.
Article describing the construction of Mount Vernon's kitchen and how it was used.
Video (7:18 minutes) exploring the personal stories, experiences and struggles of people enslaved at Mount Vernon, as well as insight into George Washington's evolving opposition to slavery.
Article discussing Martha Washington and slavery at Mount Vernon.
A series of short videos by a character interpreter covering topics about Washington's enslaved valet William Lee.
An animation (1:02 minutes) of the changes to Mount Vernon's structure during the 18th century.
Tour the Mansion House, support buildings, gristmill and distillery online.
Article discussing Oney Judge, an enslaved woman at Mount Vernon.
Slammin' Joe, one of Washington's slaves, describes the slave experience at Mount Vernon.
Article discussing slave resistance at Mount Vernon.
Article on the ways that slave women could resist within the confines of their enslaved status.
Video (3:01 minutes) discussing slavery at Mount Vernon.
Teacher Resource page featuring select primary and secondary sources, classroom materials, and essentials questions for teaching slavery.
Article discussing the status of enslaved people in George Washingon's will.
Article discussing some of the ways slaves spent their free time.
Article discussing the cemetery where many enslaved people at Mount Vernon were buried, possibly including Billy Lee.
Student worksheet on Washington's 1799 will.
Image of a slave woman in the Mount Vernon kitchen at time of John Augustine Washington's ownership.