The History Channel Videos
A key component of the new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center is 11 videos produced and donated by The History Channel. Ranging from 45 seconds to approximately six minutes, the videos are presented throughout the facility in various galleries.
“We are thrilled to have The History Channel involved in this project,” said Jim Rees, executive director of Historic Mount Vernon. “The organization’s exceptional detail to historic accuracy and high quality productions will help George Washington come to life for our visitors, who will leave Mount Vernon feeling like they really understand this great man.
“It’s an honor to work with Historic Mount Vernon,” said Libby O’Connell, chief Historian for The History Channel. “We believe the fascinating story of George Washington is an important one for all Americans.”
In the Museum
The Making of the Houdon Bust: How Jean-Antoine Houdon created a life mask of George Washington when he was 53 years old is the subject of this video, which is told from Washington’s step-granddaughter’s point of view.
In the Education Center
Forensic Reconstruction of George Washington: Visitors are introduced to the scientific process that was undertaken to create the three life-size models of George Washington that are displayed in the Education Center. The video is shown in the gallery that depicts a modern laboratory.
George Washington and Religion: Shown on the wall above the reconstructed church pew in the “Gentleman Planter Gallery”, visitors learn about the role religion played in Washington’s life and his encouragement of religious expression.
George and Martha Washington: A 40 Year Romance: Narrated by Tony Award-winning actress Glenn Close, this video tells the story of George and Martha Washington’s courtship, marriage, and remarkable partnership spanning a 40-year marriage. Visitors will come to better understand the woman who was Washington’s “worthy partner”.
Von Steuben at Valley Forge: This video depicts General Von Steuben drilling troops at Valley Forge. It will be seen through the “window” of the reconstructed soldiers’ hut and will serve to emphasize the lack of experience of the fledgling army.
George Washington: Spymaster: Washington’s innovative use of spies and espionage during the Revolution are the focus of this video, which is told from the perspective of an 18th-century spy. It is shown in the doorway of a tavern’s façade, a popular place for spying during the war.
Washington and Slavery: This video is designed to illuminate issues surrounding Washington and slavery through interviews with Mount Vernon slave descendants and Washington slave scholars. Visitors may choose from four questions to play responses that demonstrate differing viewpoints on each issue.
How a Canal and Lock System Works: Visitors see a short, 45-second silent video showing how a lock system operates in a canal similar to the one George Washington engineered at Great Falls.
A Leader’s Smile: In the gallery that showcases Washington’s famous dentures, this video will finally dispel the myth that his teeth were made of wood! An actor wearing period costume simulates the major steps involved in crafting the denture set.
Setting Presidential Precedents: Washington set many precedents as the first president of the United States, as demonstrated by this video which shows a montage of modern presidents following examples set by Washington such as the official title of the office, the existence of a presidential cabinet, the power of veto, and more.
Farewell Address: Washington’s final presidential address was not only an important document in his time, it also has continued to influence modern politics and government. A montage of U.S. senators reading the address into the Congressional Record on the floor of the Senate represents the relevance of Washington today.
