Late last year, a friend and fellow photographer, Brad, came to visit. We've been friends for years and decided to take the opportunity to explore some of our nation's history. We were lucky enough to visit Mt. Vernon, home to our first President, George Washington, a crisp winter day.
Like me, Brad is from Nebraska. Even though I've lived here for six years, it still feels strange to know that the old stomping grounds of some of our country's most revered leaders is, essentially, in my backyard.
Mount Vernon is a place I've visited regularly since moving to the metro-DC area, and everytime I go, I find something new to ponder. On this particular trip, we were able to visit the recently refurbished top floor, where Martha lived during the years following George's death.
As we walked around the property, I thought about both George and Martha, their life together, and how this country has changed in the years since the Washington's led it. I wondered what they might think of the great accomplishments made by members of the Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific-Island communities. (The Washingtons did, after all, own slaves). Mostly, though, I wondered what Martha would think of the changing and continually expanding roles women now play in our society... and if she would approve.
You can see Brad's work here.
As we walked around the property, I thought about both George and Martha, their life together, and how this country has changed in the years since the Washington's led it. I wondered what they might think of the great accomplishments made by members of the Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific-Island communities. (The Washingtons did, after all, own slaves). Mostly, though, I wondered what Martha would think of the changing and continually expanding roles women now play in our society... and if she would approve.
You can see Brad's work here.
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