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A Field Trip to The George Washington Federal House in Orange County!

A FIELD TRIP TO THE GEORGE WASHINGTON FEDERAL HOUSE

IN ORANGE COUNTY!

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On two separate occasions, I have led field trips to visit the unofficial George Washington Federal House in Orange County.  I say unofficial, because in reality it is a small building housed on the private estate of Rev. Gary Beard, dedicated to the history and persona of our nation’s first President, George Washington.

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No name or date better symbolizes the spirit of America than “Washington 1776.”  Rev. Gary Beard believes that in the 21st century, we are slowly losing a sense of the dynamic behind the man who inspired and won the battle for independence and the date that separated tyranny from freedom.

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For 30 years, Rev. Gary Beard has portrayed George Washington in hundreds of classrooms, assemblies and churches throughout Southern California.  He has appeared at the Nixon Presidential Library each President’s Day and Fourth of July for the last 14 years and is the official George Washington at all San Bernardino’s bicentennial events.

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During the tour, “George Washington” presented us with a performance and tour of his hands-on exhibit of historical artifacts including currency, stamps, and a first-edition book containing the actual story of the cherry tree.

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The students were able to dress in period clothing with authentic hats, drums and powder horns while parents looked at a real colonial kitchen.

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Rev. Gary Beard is also available to portray the living history of George Washington at school and community events throughout the area.

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  Some Topics for presentation include:

  • Mt. Vernon Love Story — The wedding of Nellie Custis granddaughter of the Washingtons.
  • Battles of the Revolution — A historical reenactment of at least 5 battles that Washington commanded.
  • Commander in Chief — The resolve and integrity of the general.“The Faith of our Founding Father” — A 30 year look at the faith of George Washington.
  • The First Inauguration — The first day of the first administration.
  • Martha the Mother — Martha — the single mother — the adoption of her baby grandchildren — the winter visitor to the troops.
  • The Firsts of our First President — Traditions that have lasted from; “so help me God” to the purple heart.
  • Washington 1776 — The destitute nature of the army of “76” and historic crossing of the Delaware.

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A few tips when planning a field trip to The George Washington Museum:

  1. Rev. Gary Beard can take up to two weeks to respond to your request to set up a field trip, because he travels often.
  2. Rev. Gary Beard’s museum operates on a donation basis.  Therefore, please make a donation after your tour to thank him for his time and service.
  3. The museum can accommodate up to approximately 15 people comfortably at a time.
  4. Please watch your children closely while in the museum.
  5. This field trip is appropriate for children ages 8 years old and up.

To schedule your own field trip to visit The George Washington Museum and for booking information, please visit www.washington1776.com

Happy Field Tripping,

Jilleen

Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only.  All opinions are our own.

FREE: Meet Three American Presidents at the Nixon Library on February 15! - SoCal Field Trips

Monday 8th of February 2016

[…] my all time favorite field trips that I have ever led was to meet President George Washington at his Federal House, in Tustin, California.  The actor who portrays George Washington, Rev. Gary […]

Barbara DelPozo

Sunday 8th of February 2015

Hi my grandson is in 2nd grade and he is doing a report on George Washington and I would like to take him to the museum. Where is the museum. The report is due Feb 24th I would have to go soon. Please let me know your address. I live in Orange

Jilleen

Sunday 8th of February 2015

Hi Barbara! Thank you for your post. The museum is located at a private home in Tustin. Therefore, I did not post the address. If you would like to schedule a visit I would encourage you to contact Gary Beard directly on his website. http://www.washington1776.com/index.htm I tried to hit the contact button, but it does not seem to be working. However, Mr. Beard will also be at the Nixon Presidential Library next weekend for their President's Day Event, Feb. 14-15 from 9am-4pm. Perhaps your son could meet and talk with him there. Good luck!

Natalia

Tuesday 28th of October 2014

Very cool! I'd love to go :)

Jilleen

Tuesday 28th of October 2014

The Rev may be open to a family coming to visit if perhaps you had two or more families going. Just be sure to give a small donation for his time. Also he can take up to two weeks to respond.

Christine

Tuesday 28th of October 2014

This looks awesome. I forwarded this to a friend of mine that is in a home school group. I think they would really like it. I couldn't really tell, does there need to be an official school group/field trip planned in order to visit? Wishing I could take my family.