Evaluating Legacy
Historians have grappled with the legacies of George Washington since he first appeared on the historical stage. How do you evaluate the legacies of someone as accomplished as Washington? Do you measure his legacies only from the perspectives of those who adored the man in life? Do you include or ignore those critical of his actions?
Join Washington’s personal secretary, Tobias Lear, as he weighs these questions immediately following Washington’s death.
Tobias Lear
Tobias Lear (Sept. 19, 1762 – Oct. 11, 1816) was the personal secretary to George Washington. Lear served Washington from 1784 until the former president's death in 1799.
Lear enjoyed an intimate relationship with the Washington family. His diary contains the most accurate account of Washington's death and final words.