George Washington’s Mount Vernon welcomes Kellie White and Emily Daniel from George Mason University as part of its 2014 class of Historic Preservation Field School student interns. In collaboration with the University of Maryland Field School in Historic Preservation, the field school students will participate in a project to investigate the archaeological, architectural, and interpretive histories of the Washington families’ kitchen. This is the only program of its kind in the country; students receive hands-on education in archaeology, architecture, and the general principles of historic preservation.

“Our hope is that this program is creating the next generation of historic preservationists,” said Mount Vernon’s historic preservation lab manager and photographer. “Mount Vernon has selected a great group of well-rounded and hard-working students.”

The Historic Preservation Interns will receive an education in historic preservation method and theory. Students will learn archaeological and architectural field methodology, laboratory procedures, and current themes in historical archaeology and historical preservation. Through readings, discussions, and field trips, as well as conducting fieldwork at George Washington’s original Mansion House Farm, students will delve into three prominent themes of historic house museums – the evolution of the plantation landscape, African American history, and public interpretation.

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

By: Contributing Author

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