BEING GEORGE WASHINGTON

Welcome to George Washington Speaks’ first blog post! I’m Vern Frykholm, and I’ve been portraying America’s first president since 2012. My favorite venue is the classroom, engaging students to help them understand Colonial America, and why the colonists fought so hard for independence.

Their challenges weren’t over when the war ended. Washington guided the development of the Constitution, bringing unity to thirteen diverse colonies. And because he recognized the fragility of the new government, he agreed to serve as President, with unanimous support.

How I became Washington

I took my family to Mount Vernon nearly thirty years ago, and encountered a portrayer of George Washington there. His twenty-minute presentation fascinated me, and I sent my family off to see the mansion house, while I listened to the next two presentations. To my surprise, there was very little repetition as the man lived out the role of Washington for his audience. Afterwards, I asked how he did it. Was there a script he memorized?

No, he assured me. But he read constantly to learn more about Washington’s life and times. I stood in awe, knowing I would never be able to read and learn so much.

Then, in 2011, I toured Philadelphia, led by a scholar of Washington’s life. Late in the week, we stopped at Valley Forge, where a George Washington portrayer spoke with our group and answered questions.

I asked myself, shouldn’t the State of Washington have a George Washington? I read the first of many books, and shopped for colonial clothing. In February of 2012, I made my first public presentation at a tea for Washington’s birthday.

Why I portray Washington

How did a farm boy of modest origins and few prospects, an awkward youth with little education, rise to the legendary status of our nation’s heroic military leader and first president? In Washington’s childhood loss of his father and subsequent poverty, I saw the challenges young boys and girls still face. In his young adulthood, he struggled to find his place in the social structure of 18th century America. And though he loved the life of a planter, he devoted himself to public service when he recognized a greater cause.

In short, Washington is an inspiration to me. I want to share that with others.

Learning all the time

Books teach a lot, but there is nothing quite like being on location, seeing where Washington was born, where he grew up, explored, farmed, and fought. This fall I’ll travel to the Hudson River Valley, and visit Boston, the scene of Washington’s first command as leader of the colonial militia. I’ll hear a talk by Nathaniel Philbrick, author of four books about Washington. In Boston, John Adams (portrayed by Michael LePage) will show George Washington (yes,me) around Boston’s historical sites.

Follow me on Facebook for updates about this exciting trip, building my understanding of George Washington.

Contact me anytime at [email protected].

As Washington often said,

I am your most obedient and humble servant,

Vern Frykholm