Location: Mount Vernon, Virginia, United States

Season Dates: May 28, 2013 - July 3, 2013
Application Deadline: April 1, 2013

Website: http://www.mountvernon.org

Flyer:

Program Type
Field school

Affiliation: George Washington's Mount Vernon and University of Maryland

Project Director: Eleanor Breen (Mount Vernon), Luke Pecoraro (Mount Vernon), Esther White (Mount Vernon), and Donald Linebaugh (University of Maryland)

Project Description

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, located near Washington, DC, is the historic site dedicated to interpreting the life of the first president within the context of his home and plantation.  Under the management of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA), the property is preserved and restored to reflect the 18th-century home of the Washington family and the enslaved community.  In 2013, the Historic Preservation and Collections Department will embark on a multi-year project to explore the evolution of the homelot and the multiple generations of outbuildings flanking the Mansion’s west front beginning with an interdisciplinary study of the kitchen.  The inaugural year of the Mount Vernon / University of Maryland (UMD) Field School in Historic Preservation will investigate the archaeological, architectural, and interpretive histories of the Washington family’s kitchen to create an integrated approach to its study, documentation, and public presentation while offering a unique educational opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students.   

This course will instruct students in historic preservation method and theory.  Students will learn archaeological and architectural field methodology, laboratory procedures, and current themes in historical archaeology and historical preservation.  Via readings, discussions, and field trips, students will delve into three prominent themes of historic house museums – the evolution of the plantation landscape, African American history, and public interpretation – while conducting fieldwork at George Washington’s original Mansion House Farm.  They will gain hands-on, practical experience as they work closely with Mount Vernon’s preservation professionals.  Additionally, students will interpret the work to the Estate’s many visitors.   

Period(s) of Occupation: Historic Period

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 weeks

Experience Required: None.

Room and Board Arrangements

Mount Vernon does not offer housing on the property, but staff will work with students to find local accommodations if necessary. 

Academic Credit
Name of institution offering credit: University of Maryland
Number of credits offered: 6

Contact Information
Eleanor Breen
PO Box 110
Mount Vernon , VA 22121
USA
ebreen@mountvernon.org
Phone: 7037996831
Fax: 7037998670