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The Estate

George Washington

Preservation

Education

Washington Library

Estate Hours

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Educators' Evening 2023

George Washington’s Mount Vernon presents a FREE onsite & virtual program to thank K-12 teachers. Join us to reflect on the life and legacies of Ona Judge, who was enslaved at Mount Vernon and escaped from the Presidents' home as a teenager. The first-person storytelling performance will be followed by candlelight tours of the mansion, and private reception for onsite guests.

Attend Online

In-person tickets are sold out. Virtual tickets are still available.

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Cost

Free

Meet Ona Judge

Join Mount Vernon's K12 team to celebrate the season with a special night dedicated to K12 teachers nationwide and in the DMV. Enjoy an evening onsite (or online!) as you learn more about the legacy of enslaved seamstress and personal servant Ona Judge, portrayed by historic character interpreter, Sheila Arnold. Ms. Sheila shares an intimate reflection into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her reflections of fleeing the home of President George Washington. 

Following the performance, enjoy candlelight tours of the mansion, featuring more of Mount Vernon's character interpreters highlighting what life was like for the Washington family at Mount Vernon during the holiday season.

Sheila Arnold has a talent for storytelling, a passion for history, and compassion for people. She provides Storytelling, Historic Character Presentations, Christian Monologues, and Professional Development for schools, festivals, churches, and organizations nationally and internationally. She is co-founder and Artistic Director of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST) a source of inspiration, strength and action in the storytelling and artists world. Sheila has been honored as a 2021 MacDowell Artist Fellow, a 2020 Mt. Vernon Research Fellow and a 2019 Hewnoaks Artist Colony summer residence Noted Artist. Sheila lives in Hampton, VA near her son, grandsons, and parents.

4:00pm–5:30pm         

Check-In/Self-guided visit

Ford Orientation Center / Museum & Education Center / The Shops

5:45pm–6:45pm    

Meet Ona Judge

Ford Orientation Center (Livestream)

6:45pm–8:30pm     

Candlelight Mansion Tours

Historic Area  (Livestream)

6:45pm–8:30pm         

Reception

Ford Orientation Center

Onsite Event

  • Registrations are limited to 300 teachers.
  • Enjoy networking with local teachers during a cocktail reception following the performance.
  • Small group candlelight tours of the mansion will depart every 5 minutes during the reception.
  • Arrival and parking directions will be confirmed approximately one week before the event. 

Virtual Event

  • Registrations are unlimited.
  • Live performances will be streamed.
  • Viewing of a mansion candlelight tour film will be livestreamed following the performance. 
  • Access directions will be confirmed via email approximately one week before the event.