When the History Channel wanted to film a documentary about George Washington, they called the one place where they knew they could get the most information—Mount Vernon.
Stephanie Brown, director of marketing at Mount Vernon, said that film crews have been to the estate three times already to film; they plan to return one more time. The show is part of a History Channel series and is titled "Save Our History: Washington's Workshop." Brown said that it's a program about Washington's entrepreneurship and his vision of America as a great agricultural society. It will include segments on fishing, milling, farming, whiskey distilling and architecture.
While other programs have been filmed at Mount Vernon in the past, Brown said, "This is unprecedented, the reach of the educational value. We're so excited, this is what our new museum is all about."
Involved in the most recent shoot was LaDonna Curzon, Executive Director, Capital Area Boat Owners Association. She towed the 18th century replica rowboat provided by The Schooner Sultana and also provided a vehicle for the History Channel crew to do the filming on seine net fishing.
It wasn't the best day for being on the water; it was cold and they had some rain and snow throughout the day. Brown said, "The people who participated were such troopers, and the History Channel said they got some good footage.
Curzon said that it was very cold, but added, "It was fun and very interesting. We towed the 18th century rowboat replica to and from the filming location, which was offshore Mount Vernon Estate. I told Hazel Gurland, the producer, that I wasn't doing this (for free, mind you) for the History Channel...I was doing this for George...as in George Washington...and everyone seemed to like that sentiment. I think Washington's image is getting a face-lift.
"The funny parts of the shoot were when they actually caught a live fish, a large-mouth bass, in the net and a flashlight. The cold was starting to get to us. It was really extraordinary when we were on the water and filming while it was snowing, almost like a painting. The water filming off my boat was a segment on Washington's successful, commercial fisheries—herring and shad. Washington was just as innovative and inventive as Thomas Jefferson."
Steve Thomas, former host of PBS program "This Old House" serves as host for the special, which will air in February 11 at 8 p.m. on The History Channel.