From June 20-24, the George Washington Teacher Institute at Mount Vernon gave Bill an up-close and personal look at George Washington, his estate, his circumstances, and the founding of the US Government. The focus of the week was the period after the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783 and the end of Washington’s Presidency in 1797. Twenty-five teachers from across the nation and nearly a dozen scholars descended on Mount Vernon for the week.
The day before the institute began, Bill was able to explore Washington D.C. for a couple of hours. He was specifically looking to visit two of the remaining 10 presidential gravesites on his list. First was a visit to the Washington National Cathedral in Georgetown. In addition to being a magnificent structure that is home to the highest point in the city, it is the final resting place of many notable individuals including President Wilson. After spending some time with Woodrow Wilson and exploring the cathedral, the next stop was Arlington National Cemetery. Though President Kennedy is the most high profile individual buried here, it was actually President William Howard Taft that Bill was there to see. The entire cemetery is such a humbling and surreal place and moments of reflection are powerful there. The visit wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Kennedy family again, and the eternal flame is just as powerful emotionally as the first time Bill witnessed it.
The teacher institute began the following day with introductions and some background relating to the completion of the Revolutionary War, life under the Articles of Confederation, and preparations for the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Several sessions focused on the Native Americans historical presence in the area and a land acknowledgement to honor their land as well as the impact on slavery, first in the American colonies then later in the building of the new nation. It is important to the estate and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association to honor the diverse history of the country as well as of George Washington’s world. Throughout the week we had the opportunity to fully explore the grounds and get a feel for George Washington as a gentleman farmer and operator of a vast agribusiness including a gristmill and distillery.
The Mount Vernon estate provided the setting for much of our activity but so too did the house. Over the course of his life, George Washington expanded and improved the house and grounds repeatedly and used the home as a showpiece and place of retreat for his family and their guests. The grandeur of the location is evident from the piazza out the back door that overlooks the mighty Potomac River. During the teacher institute week, Bill was able to take in the sunrise from the back porch as well as spend time appreciating George Washington’s view.
The presenters throughout the week included many “living history” actors portraying individuals who were significant in the story of Mount Vernon including Oney Judge (an enslaved person who escaped from the Washingtons during his time as president), Christopher Sheels (an enslaved personal attendant to President Washington), and Tobias Lear (one of Washington’s personal aides during and after the Revolutionary War). A real highlight of the week came upon examination of Washington’s personal collection of books and correspondence. The teachers were shown select documents and books, some of which contained the actual signature of George Washington!
The true pinnacle of the week for the teachers was a behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S. Capitol building and grounds. Tour guides highlighted many key locations including the Statuary Hall, the Rotunda, the Old Senate Chamber, and the original Supreme Court Chamber. What a magnificent opportunity to see the government in a personal way!
The final day of the institute finished with powerful closing ceremonies at the Slave Memorial on the grounds of the estate and at the tomb of President Washington. They were both very moving and emotional ceremonies that involved the laying of a wreath at each site. At the conclusion there were a few hours left before Bill’s flight so he, along with a few others, took the chance to take in the monuments around the reflecting pool on the National Mall. The focus was on the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam and Korean War memorials, the WWII Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial. What a powerful final few hours in the Capitol City!
The week at Mount Vernon and in Washington D.C. couldn’t have been more amazing! Teachers are treated like royalty by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and the educational staff there and they work diligently to make the experience one you will never forget. A visit to Mount Vernon should be on everyone’s list!
Bill and Jeff's Historical Travel Blog 