In this continuing series on the life of our first President as it parallels the growth of Alexandria, this year’s symposium will discuss emerging domestic and international issues for the new country.
Speakers and the GW Players will highlight how countries around the world came to recognize our new nation as President Washington carried out his second term. The Symposium will be held in the auditorium of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, one of the most prestigious venues in the entire metropolitan area.
Domestically we will hear about the famed Whiskey Rebellion and how the President was able to weather that storm. The speaker will be Dr. Philander D. Chase, Senior Editor of the George Washington Papers at the University of Virginia. In addition we will hear from a representative from the Mt. Vernon, home of President Washington, discussing the amazing new developments recently opened there. Internationally, the President had to deal with brand new pressures of foreign policy and these will be discussed.
Alexandria also began to play a major role as a port handling cargoes from around the world. Jim Mackay, who has ably moderated the symposia over the past few years, will be discussing that aspect.
The George Washington Players, that exciting group which has become a major part of the day-long events, will this year feature vignettes with conversations ranging from shock at the French Revolution to delight at the opening of the Apothecary, that very same landmark recently reopened in Old Town as a fascinating museum. The vignettes are written and produced by Kathy Kelly and Colleen Woodard.
As in past years the symposium will close with a rousing demonstration of 18th century military maneuvers by members of the First Virginia Regiment. Lunch is included in the day, provided by the ladies of the Eastern Star, with breads donated by Gold Crust and Great Harvest bakeries.
The Symposium is just one of the many events sponsored each year by the City Council-appointed George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, chaired by Sharon Sobel. The Symposium committee includes Hugh and Barbara Barton, Mike and Linda Oliver, Ms Kelly and Ms Woodard, Mr Mackay, Joe Shumard and Doug Cohen.
Arrangements at the Masonic Memorial are through the Director, George Seghers.
Tours and visits to the observation tower will be available.