George Washington
George Washington, A National Treasure
The Portrait Kids Washington's Life Exhibition Calendar
Overview
Portrait for Kids
The Patriot Papers
Teacher Guide
Family Guide
Wallpaper
Experience... is the best rule to walk by. --George Washington to John Parke Curtis, West Point, August 24, 1779


ACTIVITIES
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* PLEDGE IT FORWARD
* SPRING 2003, Seattle
* WINTER 2003, Los Angeles
* FALL 2002, Las Vegas
WINTER 2002, Promotional:
“George Washington: A National Treasure” on Tour
Will the Real George W. Please Stand Up?
Pledge It Forward—Self to Service
Students in Pasadena, Texas Help Fund The Patriot Papers
Together, Museums Create Wall of Expression
A Blast From the Past
18th-Century Paradise Lost
In Other Words...

The Patriot Papers
print-friendly version WINTER 2002, PROMOTIONAL

Actor William Sommerfield brings George Washington to your community for a 3-day trip back in time.

Actor William Sommerfield brings George Washington to your community for a 3-day trip back in time.
Photograph by
Jack Manning,
New York Times
 

Will the Real George W. Please Stand Up?

“For thousands of Americans, William Sommerfield is George Washington.”
—Richard Brookhiser, Washington biographer

Hailed by historians and politicians as the definitive dramatic portrayer of George Washington, William Arthur Sommerfield fascinates audiences with the insights, warmth, and humor of our first President. Sommerfield strips away the marble image of the ideal man and replaces it with a portrayal of George Washington, the intensely human being—a man of humor, anger, sorrow, failure, sacrifice, and love.

The only man ever to interpret Washington at the general’s home, Mount Vernon in Virginia, Sommerfield draws on more than 10 years of research and performance when creating his character. Every detail, from costume to powdered hair and dress sword, is historically accurate; he even captures the flourish of Washington’s signature.

In 1989 the Bicentennial Commission on the Constitution selected Sommerfield to portray Washington for the eight-day journey from Mount Vernon to New York in a re-creation of the inaugural ride, culminating in the swearing-in of the first President. He has continued to captivate audiences on NBC’s Eyewitness to History, the DC Bicentennial Celebration, the National Bill of Rights Tour, Good Morning America, the Today Show, and A&E’s The Crossing. He has appeared in Time magazine and the New Yorker, and on the covers of USA Today, the New York Times, and the Times of London.

As artistic director and chief writer of the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia, Sommerfield re-creates history, bringing a piece of the past to life. Favorite performances include “The Glorious Burden,” which explores the presidency, and “The Love Letters of George and Martha.” Join George for an 18th-century news conference or a lesson in the minuet. Don’t miss this trip back in time! Check local venues for details.


 

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