Tamika B., English Language Arts teacher
History has no such thing as a simple story. By digging deeper, you discover the overlooked complexity of our most common narratives and realize these stories wouldn’t be possible without the many people frequently left out of textbooks. For Group Leader Tamika B., an English Language Arts teacher from Chicago, taking a look inside Mount Vernon provided the opportunity for her students to learn about a complicated part of history.
The Telling Their Stories tour goes much further than the classic tales that have built George Washington’s legend. During their tour, Tamika’s students learned about the daily lives and contributions of the enslaved people who supported not only the estate but Washington’s lifestyle. They explored the quarters, gardens, and fields where enslaved people lived and worked. They heard stories of the struggles, achievements, and hopes of enslaved individuals, like Ona Judge, who served as Martha Washington’s personal attendant at only 10 years old. They touched the still-visible fingerprints left in bricks by the enslaved people who made them.
Tamika was especially moved by a memorial ceremony. Students paid respect to enslaved people by placing a wreath on The Slave Memorial, which was built amidst a cemetery where archeologists have found 87 graves. Comparing the location to the tomb where Washington is buried highlighted a sharp contrast for Tamika’s students.
Tamika’s group gathers around The Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon, which marks the site where both free and enslaved people were buried in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This marker, built in 1929, notes the location of the cemetery for enslaved people at Mount Vernon.
Students pay homage to the enslaved people of Mount Vernon by participating in a tribute reading.
The Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon was designed by architecture students at nearby Howard University.
Two of Tamika's students take part in a wreath laying at the Slave Memorial.
Tamika’s group gathers around The Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon, which marks the site where both free and enslaved people were buried in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This marker, built in 1929, notes the location of the cemetery for enslaved people at Mount Vernon.
Students pay homage to the enslaved people of Mount Vernon by participating in a tribute reading.
The Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon was designed by architecture students at nearby Howard University.
Two of Tamika's students take part in a wreath laying at the Slave Memorial.
This powerful tour helps visitors to Mount Vernon reshape long-held perceptions toward one of the country’s most prominent figures and is core to the estate’s mission. The historians there are committed to telling the deep and complex history of Washington’s home by honoring the culture and legacy of everyone who lived there.
Here at EF Explore America, we have the same philosophy around immersive educational experiences, like the Telling Their Stories tour, that expand the worldviews of students. It’s why we seek out partners like Mount Vernon who share our passion for interactive, unique programming that’s thought-provoking and perspective-building.
All of our partners will enhance your itinerary
The folks at Mount Vernon, MassRobotics, or Turnstile Tours can give your students a unique and interactive experience when they visit Washington, D.C., Boston, or New York City on an EF Explore America tour.
Mount Vernon
Informing & inspiring through personal stories
Turnstile Tours
A taste of everything New York City has to offer
United Nations
Global impact takes on a personal touch
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Reporting by Cassie Title