The new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center teaches history lessons about Revolutionary War General and first American President George Washington.
I recently brought my two elementary aged boys to the Virginia estate where George Washington lived with his wife Martha Custis Washington from 1759 until he died in 1799. The picturesque estate, just 16 miles from WashingtonD.C., is a fabulous destination for history students who want to know more about the Revolutionary War hero and first President of the United States.
Mount Vernon has long been a destination for American history lovers, but the new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center makes a visit to the estate even more worthwhile. Open since the fall of 2006, the center has multiple theatres, interactive learning displays, and personal artifacts that belonged to Washington and his family. Together, these exhibits tell the the story of George Washington's life. Every effort has been made to authentically portray the First President. There are even forensically accurate manikins to portray the man at different stages of his life.
In the "Hands-On History" area younger children can try on authentic reproductions of colonial clothing, try their hands at archaeological restoration, read books about Washington and his times, and participate in other activities. My boys spent a good hour in this room that is recommended for ages 3-8.
For students of all ages, the Revolutionary War theatre will be a hit. Here a special effects film that includes "snow" falling on the audience while Washington and his troops cross the Delaware and seats that rumble along with cannon fire, leads audience members thorugh the decisive battles of the Revolutionary War.
Before leaving the center, teachers and homeschool parents will want to stop in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Learning Center, an amazing library with teaching resources. There, an educator will answer questions and direct you toward age appropriate resources for your students.
I was personally most interested in a temporary exhibit that showed the close relationship between the Marquis de Lafayette and Washington. This exhibit featured letters between the two War leaders and included Lafayette's personal copy of The Declaration of Independence. I must admit, though, that I was also quite pleased to find a set of Washington's very famous dentures, and I was not disappointed.
We ended our visit with a tour of Washington's mansion and out buildings. Although I had visited Mount Vernon before, this time, as a result of having spent several hours in the museum and education center, I felt much more closely connected to the surveyor, general, husband, statesman, Freemason and farmer who was our first president. Next time, I will make time for Washington's gristmill and distillery, a stroll along some of the many trails and gradens, the slave memorial, and a visit to Washington's grave.
Mt. Vernon is open 365 days a year. Admission for K-12 student groups of twelve or more is $12 per student. Regular admission for adults is $9. Children 6-11 are $6, and chuldren 5 and under are free.
If you liked this article, you might enjoy a persuasive writing lesson based on Benjamin Franklin or a field trip to Boston's Freedom Trail.
