Mount Vernon is excited to support National History Day, a national history competition for middle and high school students.
For the 2023-2024 school year, National History Day has selected the theme: Turning Points in History.
From George and Martha Washington to the enslaved community, the history of Mount Vernon is full of people who used their voices and positions as part of turning points in history. Dig deeper into their lives by exploring both primary and secondary sources from Mount Vernon.
Turning Points Timeline
Explore the different turning points of George Washington's life through this interactive timeline!
The George Washington Leadership Prize
Did you know that Mount Vernon has a special award at National History Day? Click the link to learn more about the George Washington Leadership Prize (and how you could win!)
Primary Sources
Explore our vast educational primary sources for research ideas, questions to consider, or primary source material.
Secondary Sources
Explore our digital encyclopedia, content pages, or infographics for more information about life in the eighteenth century.
Turning Points at Mount Vernon
Explore these links to see different turning points at Mount Vernon and throughout Washington's life
- Fort Necessity Articles of Capitulation (Surrendor)
- George to Martha after accepting Commander-in-Chief
- Smallpox Inoculation Letter
- The Battle of Second Trenton
- H.M.S Savage List
- Yorktown Articles of Capitulation (Surrender)
- Map: the Battle of Yorktown
- The Newburgh Conspiracy
- Washington's First Inaugural Address
- The Genet Affair
- The Whiskey Rebellion
- Washington's Farewell Address
- Washington's Will
- Saving Mount Vernon
Need Help?
Looking for help with a particular source or question for a National History Day project? Contact us!
Back to Student Contests
Click the link to go back to the Student Contests page
Back to Student Contests