Lesson Plans

For millennia, humans have used recipes as a way to pass on culture and history. Pepper Pot Stew started as a stew commonly made in Africa. However, it followed the Transatlantic slave Trade from Africa to the West Indies and North America. Recipes like this one are some of the many ways African culture influenced American culture. 

When archaeologists do fieldwork, they often find broken objects. Sometimes they are able to piece together these broken objects through a process called mending, which is like putting together pieces of a puzzle. When an object is mended, we can see what the complete object looks like. This activity allows participants to decorate their own plate, cut it up, and try to put it back together. 

Have you ever looked at the top of the Mansion and noticed a bird? That's a replica of the weathervane that George Washington had made for his house! Using this activity, you can make a replica of your own. 

George Washington was very interested in his family tree and kept notes on it in their family Bible. His records for his plantation also help us trace the families of some of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon. Using this activity, create a family tree for yourself, a friend, or a historical figure. 

Did you know that horses are measured using hands? This measurement has been used for centuries! George Washington was an avid horseman and owned many horses during his life. One of Washington's horses, Nelson, was 16 hands high! 

This activity explores primary sources to deepen participants' understanding of the eighteenth century. It also encourages them to practice their measuring skills. 

George Washington ran Mount Vernon in the same manner he managed the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War: through careful time management, a close attention to detail, and a taskmaster 's sense of duty. Thus it is no little surprise that Washington set his sundial at the heart of his plantation. Sundials were the most accurate tool in eighteenth century America for telling time. In this activity, you can make your own! 

George Washington's fireplace mantle in the New Room is decorated with carvings of farming scenes and livestock. He filled the New Room with these symbols to show his interest in agriculture to his visitors.  If you were to design your own fireplace mantle, what images would you use? What would it say about you? This activity gives you a chance to find out. 

Many different animals and insects lived at Mount Vernon in the eighteenth century, and many of the same breeds live at Mount Vernon today. Through this matching activity and primary sources, explore the importance of these animals to Washington and his estate.

Due to modern technology and trade, it is possible in the United States to get most foods year-round. However, in the eighteenth century, people were limited based on when food could be harvested or caught. This activity compares modern recipes to seasonal eating in the eighteenth century. 

As a teenager, George Washington copied the Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company in Conversation to practice his penmanship. The 110 rules covered many of the social graces of the time period. We have many of the same rules in society today. Complete this matching activity to learn some of the rules' modern equivalent. 

George Washington's name and face is all around us. Using this scavenger hunt, you'll be able to find him not just about Mount Vernon, but all over your neighborhood!