"Let No Irreverent Hand Change It": The Interpretation of Slavery at George Washington's Mount Vernon, 1853 to Present

Abstract

This theses explores how the interpretation of slavery at Mount Vernon has changed over time, tracing moments of change from the formation of the MVLA in 1853 until the present day. Often, audience reluctance or bigotry are blamed for the absence or weakness of slavery interpretation at historic sites, or curators and administrators claim that visitors do not want to hear about the difficult and uncomfortable history of slavery. However, in analyzing the influence the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has exerted on efforts to develop a more inclusive narrative at the site, I argue that it is not the audience, but the stewards and donors who play the biggest role in limiting or advancing the interpretation of slavery. This theses ultimately contributes to justice-oriented conversations about racial injustice, and ways that public history sites can maintain – or hopefully, disrupt – them.