Gain a New Perspective on the General
Join a character interpreter to hear their first-person recounting of life at Mount Vernon. Learn about their daily lives and ask them questions about their 18th-century world.
Characters vary daily. Character actors reserve the right to end the program. The program is free with general admission. No additional ticket is required.
Martha Washington
Hear from the woman who knew George Washington best - his wife, Martha. Martha Washington will regale you with tales of what it was like being married to our first president, hosting guests at Mount Vernon, living in the 18th century, and much more.
Ona Judge
Meet Ona Judge and listen to the stories of her life at Mount Vernon as an enslaved personal maid to the Washingtons, her plans to escape to freedom, and her struggles to keep it.
Tobias Lear
Learn about the manners and fashions of polite society in the 18th century from General Washington's personal secretary, Tobias Lear. In the Washingtons' world, how one dressed conveyed messages about the wearer.
Christopher Sheels
Speak with Christopher Sheels, the enslaved valet to the General. Learn of his life at Mount Vernon and the struggles and dreams of this man in the 18th century.
Eleanor Calvert Custis Stuart
Listen to Eleanor Calvert Custis Stuart as she answers your questions about her life and what it is like to be daughter-in-law to the Washingtons.
Dr. James Craik
Listen to Dr. James Craik, Physician General of the United States and George Washington's friend, discuss the medical practice of the Revolutionary War and the tools used by doctors in the 18th century.
Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis
Meet Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis, Martha Washington’s granddaughter, as she shares vivid stories from her childhood—tales of growing up at Mount Vernon and watching her step-grandfather rise to become the nation’s first president.
Peter Hardiman
Meet Peter Hardiman, an enslaved groom whose talent with horses and mules was well known. Learn about the work done in the stables and Peter's role in directing other enslaved individuals.
James Anderson
Tour the historic area with George Washington's farm manager, James Anderson, as he goes through his daily responsibilities. Visit locations along the south lane and meet farm animals as you learn about George Washington's farming practices.
A Conversation with Frank Lee
Join Frank Lee, the enslaved butler to George Washington, in a conversation about his life, family, and experiences inside the Mansion. Frank Lee was purchased by George Washington in 1768. As the enslaved butler of the Mansion, Frank supervised the cleaning of the house, oversaw the tableware, waited on the Washington family at meals, and looked after the estate’s many dogs.
Mate Masie: "What I Hear, I Keep"
Throughout history, the enslaved people in North America passed down stories, lessons, and warnings through oral tradition. Song served as a tool for those in bondage to express their faith, carry out their work, and lament their pain.
During this program, Brenda Parker serves as the griot, or oral historian, who shares the origins of many songs of the enslaved community and teaches visitors about their daily lives.
Lady Washington’s War
Each winter during eight perilous years of conflict, Lady Washington left Mount Vernon to join her husband, General Washington, and the Continental Army at winter encampment. After peace and Independence were won, the Washingtons returned to their beloved home, Mount Vernon.
This program is 20 minutes long and is presented from the perspective of Lady Washington in her first full year at Mount Vernon after the War for Independence, 1784.
