July 12th, 2011
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Author: Unless you have been living under a rock for the last two and a half centuries, you most likely have heard of George Washington. The Founding Father of our country may be the most studied and revered person in American history. Most U.S. citizens could tell you that more than 200 years ago, he led our country to victory in the American Revolution. Despite this, there is much that is not well-known and overlooked in some instances. Who is the real George Washington?
“Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon” is running at the National Constitution Center through Sept. 5. On June 30, the exhibit opened, with George Washington (an impersonator) arriving on horseback outside of the National Constitution Center.
“I do not recall the large bridge spanning the Delaware River,” he exclaimed with surprise.
The exhibit shows a young, 19-year-old, red-headed George from his younger years as an unpaid solider on Gen. Edward Braddocks mission to reclaim the Ohio Valley, and explores his life all the way up to the final days he spent on his plantation, Mount Vernon.
On display are life-sized models of Washington, put together using written descriptions of his appearance and clothing, modern technology and wax to give him the look of a real person. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, he was a large man, especially for the 1700s. Along with the figure of a young George, one of the images depicts him as a 45-year-old commander in chief during the Revolution, and a 57-year-old being inaugurated president, obviously aged and much older than the red-headed soldier of the 1750s.
One well-known detail about Washington was his wooden teeth, which always had an effect on him. Unlike our nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama, Washington was said to have been hesitant when it came to public speaking. This is a result of his teeth, or lack thereof. His mouth is always closed, as reflected in the models designed for the exhibit and in portraits of him. From human teeth that came from slaves, to elephant ivory, he was never satisfied and this resulted in embarrassment. The exhibit showcases Washington’s dental struggle, with his dentures on display and a video of how his teeth were special-made for him.
As the exhibit explains, “Beyond the myths about cherry trees, honesty and wooden teeth exists the remarkable story of his unmatched leadership in the American Revolution.” The exhibit also covers the flaws of Washington, something history seems to ignore.
Washington and the original first lady of the United States, Martha Custis, owned hundreds of slaves on Mount Vernon, located in Virginia. The exhibit profiles some of them, including a cook named Hercules, who eventually escaped. While Washington was never a strong supporter of slavery, he never made a striking attempt to abolish it. His will did call for his slaves to be freed, but not the slaves that Martha had brought from marriage.
Even before being elected, he was admired by his peers and was always the choice for a leadership role. After victory in the Revolutionary War in 1783, he presided over the drafting of the Constitution in 1787. He was chosen by his peers, and while he didn’t have much to say during the debates, all of the delegates valued the presence of the man who led them to their freedom from England. The exhibit has an interactive display where visitors can click on different delegates and see their positions on the issues.
The exhibit has a section on Martha Washington as well. George courted Martha at a young age, and she strongly supported him until the day he passed away in 1799. On display are original pieces of her jewelry and a reproduction of her wedding dress from the Washingtons’ 1759 wedding. As first lady, she often entertained guests throughout his presidency.
An interactive quiz is on display regarding Washington’s eight years in office, highlighting some of the issues that were explored during his eight years in office, and some that came to spotlight in later years that other presidents handled.
George Washington’s legacy will live on in American history. He may not have handled every issue, but it is certain that he was responsible for America’s birth, independence, and helped lay down the foundation in its early years for a country that was to prosper long into the future.
IF YOU GO: Continued…
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last two and a half centuries, you most likely have heard of George Washington. The Founding Father of our country may be the most studied and revered person in American history. Most U.S. citizens could tell you that more than 200 years ago, he led our country to victory in the American Revolution. Despite this, there is much that is not well-known and overlooked in some instances. Who is the real George Washington?
“Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon” is running at the National Constitution Center through Sept. 5. On June 30, the exhibit opened, with George Washington (an impersonator) arriving on horseback outside of the National Constitution Center.
“I do not recall the large bridge spanning the Delaware River,” he exclaimed with surprise.
The exhibit shows a young, 19-year-old, red-headed George from his younger years as an unpaid solider on Gen. Edward Braddocks mission to reclaim the Ohio Valley, and explores his life all the way up to the final days he spent on his plantation, Mount Vernon.
On display are life-sized models of Washington, put together using written descriptions of his appearance and clothing, modern technology and wax to give him the look of a real person. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, he was a large man, especially for the 1700s. Along with the figure of a young George, one of the images depicts him as a 45-year-old commander in chief during the Revolution, and a 57-year-old being inaugurated president, obviously aged and much older than the red-headed soldier of the 1750s.
One well-known detail about Washington was his wooden teeth, which always had an effect on him. Unlike our nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama, Washington was said to have been hesitant when it came to public speaking. This is a result of his teeth, or lack thereof. His mouth is always closed, as reflected in the models designed for the exhibit and in portraits of him. From human teeth that came from slaves, to elephant ivory, he was never satisfied and this resulted in embarrassment. The exhibit showcases Washington’s dental struggle, with his dentures on display and a video of how his teeth were special-made for him.
As the exhibit explains, “Beyond the myths about cherry trees, honesty and wooden teeth exists the remarkable story of his unmatched leadership in the American Revolution.” The exhibit also covers the flaws of Washington, something history seems to ignore.
Washington and the original first lady of the United States, Martha Custis, owned hundreds of slaves on Mount Vernon, located in Virginia. The exhibit profiles some of them, including a cook named Hercules, who eventually escaped. While Washington was never a strong supporter of slavery, he never made a striking attempt to abolish it. His will did call for his slaves to be freed, but not the slaves that Martha had brought from marriage.
Even before being elected, he was admired by his peers and was always the choice for a leadership role. After victory in the Revolutionary War in 1783, he presided over the drafting of the Constitution in 1787. He was chosen by his peers, and while he didn’t have much to say during the debates, all of the delegates valued the presence of the man who led them to their freedom from England. The exhibit has an interactive display where visitors can click on different delegates and see their positions on the issues.
The exhibit has a section on Martha Washington as well. George courted Martha at a young age, and she strongly supported him until the day he passed away in 1799. On display are original pieces of her jewelry and a reproduction of her wedding dress from the Washingtons’ 1759 wedding. As first lady, she often entertained guests throughout his presidency.
An interactive quiz is on display regarding Washington’s eight years in office, highlighting some of the issues that were explored during his eight years in office, and some that came to spotlight in later years that other presidents handled.
George Washington’s legacy will live on in American history. He may not have handled every issue, but it is certain that he was responsible for America’s birth, independence, and helped lay down the foundation in its early years for a country that was to prosper long into the future.
IF YOU GO:
“Discover the Real
George Washington:
New Views from Mount Vernon,”
runs through Sept. 5
at the National Constitution Center,
525 Arch St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Info: 215-409-6600 or
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