Educators' Evening 2023

Meet Ona Judge

Join Mount Vernon's K12 team to celebrate the season with a special night dedicated to K12 teachers nationwide and in the DMV. Enjoy an evening onsite (or online!) as you learn more about the legacy of enslaved seamstress and personal servant Ona Judge, portrayed by historic character interpreter, Sheila Arnold. Ms. Sheila shares an intimate reflection into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her reflections of fleeing the home of President George Washington. 

Following the performance, enjoy candlelight tours of the mansion, featuring more of Mount Vernon's character interpreters highlighting what life was like for the Washington family at Mount Vernon during the holiday season.

Sheila Arnold has a talent for storytelling, a passion for history, and compassion for people. She provides Storytelling, Historic Character Presentations, Christian Monologues, and Professional Development for schools, festivals, churches, and organizations nationally and internationally. She is co-founder and Artistic Director of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST) a source of inspiration, strength and action in the storytelling and artists world. Sheila has been honored as a 2021 MacDowell Artist Fellow, a 2020 Mt. Vernon Research Fellow and a 2019 Hewnoaks Artist Colony summer residence Noted Artist. Sheila lives in Hampton, VA near her son, grandsons, and parents.