Summer Seminars for Teachers
George Washington and the American Revolution
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon
- June 27-July 3, 2010
- Director: Andrew Robertson, Professor of History, Lehman College, The City University of New York
The American Revolution describes two different historical events. One was the War for Independence, 1775-1783, that began with Lexington and Concord and concluded with the Treaty of Paris and the evacuation of the British from New York. The “other” American Revolution occurred in the hearts and minds of the American people. This revolution began in the pamphlets and protests of the 1760s, continued in the Continental Congress, and helped inspire new institutions that emerged after the War for Independence: the abolition of slavery in the North, expanded public roles for women, and the separation of church and state. Both revolutions had global historical significance. George Washington was the pivotal figure in the War for Independence but he played an important role in the second revolution as well. Washington was a representative Virginia planter at the outset of the Revolutionary War. By the time the war concluded, Washington’s ideas about slavery, race, and republican government had been transformed. His leadership after the Revolution helped insure the conservation of both American Revolutions. This course will be taught at Mount Vernon, and will utilize the rich resources available at this historic site.
“I’m leaving with an expanded knowledge base, new friends, and increased confidence in my ability to bring history alive for my students. My enthusiasm and passion for history just keep increasing. How can my students not jump on board? Thanks again!”
— American Revolution Seminar Participant
Please find below important information regarding George Washington and the American Revolution.
seminar forms and documents
readings
Readings are sent by the Institute to seminar participants. Readings may include:
Fischer, David Hackett. Washington’s Crossing. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Wood, Gordon. Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different. New York: Penguin Press, 2006.
travel & accomodations
Mount Vernon is located 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia at the southern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There are several options for traveling to and from Mount Vernon. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located approximately 25 minutes from Mount Vernon. Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, VA is an approximate 45-minute commute to Alexandria. Amtrak provides service directly into Alexandria, Virginia, about a 15-minute cab ride from Mount Vernon.
meals
Meals will be served at George Washington's Mount Vernon and paid for by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
stipend
Each summer seminar participant will receive reimbursement of travel expenses up to $400. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the seminar.
Participants traveling internationally or from Alaska and Hawaii receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the seminar.
Applicants to seminars should note that supplements will not be given in cases where the $400 allowance is insufficient to cover all travel expenses.
Our stipend policy has changed from previous years, for more information on our stipend policy click here.
graduate credit
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is proud to announce its agreement with Adams State College to offer three hours of graduate credit in American history to participating seminar teachers.
Teachers are required to submit a reflection paper and a copy of one primary source activity completed during or immediately after the seminar.
Teachers will also be given an opportunity to take additional online and distance coursework that counts toward an MA in History from Adams State College.
Enroll and learn more about the course description
For more details, please contact: Edward R. Crowther, Ph.D.
To ensure that your credit appears on your transcript as summer-term class work, you must enroll by August 1, 2010.
questions?
E-mail seminars@gilderlehrman.org or call 646-366-9666.