After the first presidential inauguration in 1789, George Washington faced the daunting prospect of starting a presidency from scratch. Every action he took would set a precedent. Ramin Ganeshram, Dr. Sara Georgini, Dr. Sandra Moats, and Dr. Patrick Spero explain the challenges of Washington’s first year in office, from his levees and tours to the deadly illness that almost took his life.  

For free videos, lesson plans, and more, click here.

Written and directed by Dr. Anne Fertig. Narrated by Tom Plott with additional voice acting by Matt Mattingly, Betty Brown, Rachel Samson, Adam Erby and Dr. James Ambuske.

Inventing the Presidency is a Production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and CD Squared Productions.