I have visited Mount Vernon four times. Each time there is a new “rebuilt” building(s) on the grounds. Supposed to be historically accurate. What I find concerning, and off-putting is the heavy narrative of slave-shaming that is overwhelming the story of George Washington, the man.
Every other sentence has the words “enslaved people”, spoken in hushed tones. It isn’t just at Mount Vernon, but at most of the historic sites in VA that our founders were connected to. In the past six years it has grown to the point where it is so intrusive in the experience that ... well, if I could get away with yanking down those informational plaques, and stoppering up the docents who deliver these insults to our forefathers, well I wouldn’t hesitate.
Instead I arm myself with info and constantly interrupt and ask questions about the white bond-slaves, or just random questions about random historical facts. I would rather piss off fellow tour folks a little than have their minds poisoned unchallenged. I have gotten fairly good at this.
It’s nauseating
They do it here at historical sites in middle Tennessee
The tour guides hate me.....lol
Williamsburg is much, much worse. You could walk away from there thinking White Men had nothing at all to do with American freedom, it was all due to slaves and women who dipped candles. And YES, slaves and women absolutely deserve a share of the glory, but not to the extent that the brave and erudite men of the times are sidelined.
That said, Williamsburg is really a must-visit for every American, IMHO.