Looking to learn more about the Inauguration, State of the Union Address, or Washington’s First Year as President? Below, you can find a list of free online resources ideal for students, teachers, and history buffs of all ages. For a full bibliography of the episode, including primary sources and scholarship, check out our Episode 2 Bibliography.
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Media and Interactives
Podcast Episode: A Presidential Primer
In this episode of The Secrets of Washington's Archives, Dr. Douglas Bradburn, President & CEO of George Washington's Mount Vernon, explores Washington's own copy of the Constitution contained within a volume of the first Acts of Congress. Within this extraordinary text, we see Washington's own handwritten notes on what it meant to be president.
Watch: Ed Larson on Washington’s Inaugural Speech
Timeline of the President Washington’s Inauguration
George Washington's inauguration ceremony in New York City was a grand historical event, attended by hundreds. Explore the timeline of every moment here.
Lesson Plans
George Washington’s Inauguration
Two activity sheets with information and short activities introduce young students to President George Washington. Students learn about George Washington's election as President and his journey from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration, as well as what happens during a presidential inauguration.
The Inauguration of George Washington
A primary source worksheet for students focused on close reading skills. Students are asked to read and analyze George Washington's diary entry from April 16, 1789, the day he left Mount Vernon for his inauguration in New York City. This resource was created by 2015-2016 Life Guard Teacher Fellow Marcia Motter.
Journey to the Presidency Board Game
A printable board game that follows George Washington's journey from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration in April 1789. The board game prints best on 11x17 paper.
A primary source worksheet for students focused on close reading skills. Students are asked to use historical thinking skills to source an excerpt from George Washington's 1789 letter to Henry Knox about accepting the presidency. This resource was created by 2015-2016 Life Guard Teacher Fellow Marcia Motter.
A primary source worksheet for students focused on close reading skills. Students compare how both George and Martha Washington felt about General Washington becoming the first President of the United States. This lesson builds on the George Washington's Letter to Henry Knox about the Presidency and Martha Washington's Letter about the Presidency worksheets, which are included in this PDF lesson plan. This resource was created by 2015-2016 Life Guard Teacher Fellow Marcia Motter.
Primary Sources
Washington's First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789
Washington gave this address after taking the oath of office in New York City on April 30, 1789. By doing so, he set a tradition for presidents to come. The Address was delivered in around ten minutes and was well received by the members of Congress.
First Annual Address to Congress (First State of the Union)
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered to Congress his First Annual Address to Congress, a precursor to what would become the annual State of the Union address. This precedent setting address presented defense, foreign policy, economics, education, and immigration related topics to gathered representatives and senators in Federal Hall, New York City.
Washington sought to encourage civic pride and US industries during his presidency and retirement by supporting American manufacturers and buying their goods, noting in 1789 that "we have already been too long subject to British prejudices." To that end, he wore American-made clothing to public speeches and private events. A note written by his granddaughter, Elizabeth "Eliza" Parke Custis, indicates that it is "made of the first American cloth sent to General Washington and much worn by him."
The Presidential household in Philadelphia was a bustling place. Weekly dinners and receptions hosted by George and Martha Washington required a large amount of food. This food ledger details the food ordered and the associated costs for one week in the Presidential household.
