Road Trips
Washington 1800: Art and Politics in the Young Republic
On Sunday, April 10, 2005, a dozen Washington College students set out for Washington, D.C. on the Starr Center's first-ever weekend "road trip." The free daylong program, led by C.V. Starr Scholar Adam Goodheart and by Marc Pachter, director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, explored the politics, art, and architecture of Jeffersonian-era Washington. It included tours of the Smithsonian's special exhibition of Gilbert Stuart portraits and of the circa-1800 Octagon House, and wrapped up with a view of the springtime cherry blossoms from the Jefferson Memorial.
Biking to George's on the Mount Vernon Trail
On a brisk, beautiful day in November, 2005, a group of intrepid students were led by Program Manager Kees de Mooy on a scenic 10-mile cycling trip from Alexandria, Va., to George Washington's Mount Vernon. After climbing up the steep half-mile hill leading up to Washington's home, the group was treated to a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion and gardens by Lady Fairfax (Peg Pokosa), one of Mount Vernon's most entertaining and knowledgeable guides. Washington College, which benefited from a substantial gift from General Washington at its founding, is fortunate to continue its historical association with the first president. More cycling trips to Mount Vernon are planned-stay tuned!