Grinnell-in-Washington, D.C.: Tour and Discussion
The Lives and Legacy of Enslaved Individuals from the Founding Era Discussion with Mount Vernon Tour
Allison Wickens '94, vice president of education at Mount Vernon, and the Grinnell-in-Washington, D.C. planning committee invite you to a special private guided tour and discussion at George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Come to this event to learn about the daily lives of the hundreds of enslaved individuals who lived and worked at plantation sites like Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall. Consider the complex legacies of founders like George Washington and George Mason who fought for freedoms yet held others in bondage. Explore for yourself this piece of history.
You will get to see the estate with a group of Grinnellians, while on the "Enslaved People of Mount Vernon" tour, and discuss your thoughts and reflections. Allison will be joined by Rebecca Martin '94, director of education and guest experience at Gunston Hall. They will also share the value of their sites' research and insights into why the 18th century is so relevant to current discussions of racial injustice and self-governing democracies. The event will conclude with enough time for Grinnellians to tour the award-winning "Lives Bound Together" exhibition (closing September 2020)
Sunday, March 1
Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Tentative Schedule of Events
12:30 p.m. Arrival at Mount Vernon
1 p.m. Private Themed Tour of Mount Vernon
2 pm. Encounter with a Historic Character
2:30 p.m. Discussion with Coffee and Cookies
3:30 p.m. Wrap-up & Exploration Time
Tickets and Registration: Tickets for this event are $18 each for young alumni (graduated within the past 10 years) and $25 each for other alumni and guests.
Register here to reserve your ticket by Tuesday, February 25. Space is limited so buy your tickets quickly!
Thank you for your interest in attending this event! At this time, the event is at capacity and we are no longer taking registrations. Please email Ashley Renstrom-Schaefer, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at
schaefer@grinnell.edu to be added to the waitlist.