Beyond the Surface-Historical Thinking with Art

by George Washington's Mount Vernon

In this free interactive program, students will engage with and learn about important works of art in Mount Vernon’s collection. By analyzing the artwork and their significance, students will gain a deeper understanding of the life and legacy of George Washington and explore stories of struggle and resilience amongst the enslaved community at Mount Vernon.

The program, led by art educator, Katie Carstens, will also give students the opportunity to create their own presidential portraits using a specially designed Mount Vernon art template!

Program Rating

This program has not yet been evaluated.

Book it!

About This Program

Cost

By Request: $0.00
By Request Premium: $0.00

FREE!

Length

45-60 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Teacher(s)/Educator(s), Homeschool/Family , Learning Pod

Minimum participants:

No minimum, this is a scheduled virtual program

Maximum participants:

1000

Primary Disciplines

Art, Online Learning/Digital Learning , Culture, Fine Arts, Language Arts/English, Leadership, Problem Solving, History & Social Studies

Program Delivery Mode

Videoconference – Webcam/desktop (Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, etc...)
Zoom

Booking Information

Tuesday May 19, 2026
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Book It!

Book it!

Receive this program and 9 more for one low price when you purchase the CILC Virtual Expeditions package. Learn more

For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

The program is free so we do not charge any fees for cancellation.

About This Provider

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, Virginia
United States

George Washington's Mount Vernon is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham. The Association is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country.

The mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is to preserve, restore, and manage the estate of George Washington to the highest standards and to educate visitors and people throughout the world about the life and legacies of George Washington, so that his example of character and leadership will continue to inform and inspire future generations.

Contact:
K-12 Education
education@mountvernon.org
703-799-6884

Program Details

Format

1. The program will begin with an introduction of the topic, the historical context, and historical thinking with art.
2. The audience will then analyze several primary sources (art and other material culture) to explore the life and leadership of George Washington.
3. The audience will get to engage with the presentation through the use of interactive elements such as polls, reactions, etc.
4. The facilitator will lead the students through an activity in which students will explore their personal leadership traits by creating their own presidential portraits.
4. Time is allowed for questions and answers.

Objectives

1. Critically engage with artwork in Mount Vernon’s collection
2. Use works of art as inspiration for their own visual creative expressions
3. Gain knowledge of George Washington and the world George Washington shaped in revolutionary times
4. Gain deeper understanding of inclusive histories that reflect the diversity of the 18th century
5. Examine political, social, ideological, and economic histories and concepts through a study of artwork