Evaluate George Washington's Legacy With Tobias Lear
Join Washington’s personal secretary, Tobias Lear, as he prepares to write the letters announcing the General’s death.
Listen to Lear reflect upon what others have written about the first President and what effect these words might have on his legacy.
Examine Other Historical Perspectives
Historians have grappled with the legacies of George Washington since he first appeared on the historical stage, asking questions like:
How do you evaluate the legacies of someone as accomplished as Washington?
Do you measure his legacies only from the perspectives of those who adored the man in life?
Do you include or ignore those critical of his actions?
Learn More About Tobias Lear
Tobias Lear (Sept. 19, 1762 – Oct. 11, 1816) was the personal secretary to George Washington. Lear served Washington from 1784 until the former president's death in 1799.
Lear enjoyed an intimate relationship with the Washington family. His diary contains the most accurate account of Washington's death and final words.