Name: Finding Freedom in New Hampshire: Teaching the Story of Ona Judge
Start: 2026-10-02T08:00:00-0400
End: 2026-10-02T12:00:00-0400
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon

Examine History Through Washington's Words and Ona Judge's Story

Through primary sources and digital archives, participants will examine George Washington’s evolving and often contradictory views on slavery.

Consider what Washington said and wrote throughout his lifetime, the historical context surrounding his decisions, and their lasting impact.

Discover the remarkable story of Ona Judge, a woman enslaved by Washington who courageously escaped to freedom and spent the remainder of her life in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her story offers a powerful lens for discussing resistance, agency, freedom, and the lived experiences of enslaved people.

Program Highlights

Examine primary sources related to George Washington and slavery
Explore digital archives and classroom-ready teaching materials
Learn about Ona Judge’s journey from enslavement to freedom
Participate in a guided tour of sites associated with the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
Connect national history with local stories of freedom and resilience
Receive lesson ideas and resources for classroom use

Registration Requirements

Who can register?

Teachers MUST teach in a formal K-12 classroom or school setting.
The program is limited to 40 teachers.
A waitlist will be available if registration meets full capacity.

Questions? Please contact [email protected]

Meet the Scholar

Meet the Educator

Bekki Coppola

Bekki Coppola graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in history and began her museum career as an intern at Norlands Living History Center in Livermore, ME.

While obtaining her Masters in Museum Education from Tufts University, she worked as a tour guide and roleplayer at Orchard House Museum. Bekki has been a member of the education department at Strawbery Banke Museum since 2001. She is currently the Director of Education, and enjoys developing school and youth programming for thousands of students each year.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening and playing with her dog.

Brenda Haenchen

Brenda Haenchen has been the Library Media Specialist at Symonds Elementary School in Keene, New Hampshire since 2006. Brenda teaches students to think critically, locate and evaluate information sources, and enjoy some really good books.

She believes an important role of a school librarian is to collaborate with classroom teachers to extend learning–especially in Social Studies! Brenda has an MS from Oklahoma State University and has completed additional graduate work at Cornell, SUNY Albany, and Plymouth State University. Prior to embracing school libraries, Brenda taught Consumer Behavior at SUNY Oneonta for 10 years.

Brenda has participated in 2 different programs at Mount Vernon as well as serving as a Teacher Facilitator. When she is not in school, Brenda and her family are trying to visit every park in their National Park Passport.