Attending the unique President’s Day weekend programs of the Virginia presidents in Williamsburg, I’ve gleaned deeper understanding of our country as we explore their lives before and during their presidencies.
In preparation for all the events with the Virginia presidents, we always start our weekend with a tour of the Capitol to review Virginia’s history of being the most British of the colonies, while taking the lead for independence with the writing of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Saturday morning, we met at the Capitol with the men who would one day become president…and began their political careers with momentous events towards independence in this building.
JAMES MADISON HELPED WRITE VIRGINIA DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
First, we met with Colonial Williamsburg’s new James Madison, who explained his role in 1776, as a burgess in the Capitol in Williamsburg.
He stressed that it was imperative that the burgesses draft a bill of rights, called the Virginia Declaration of Rights, before they wrote the Virginia Constitution…building on everything we heard in yesterday’s tour of the Capitol.
With great eloquence, depth of meaning and full understanding, he quietly and calmly put forth his arguments. (This led to my question for him by Sunday night.)
GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE AMERICAN WEST
Then we went upstairs to meet with George Washington, who used the maps to connect his early years as surveyor in the West, to government and visions for America’s future in the West.
THOMAS JEFFERSON PROMOTES FREEDOM LEGISLATIONS
Then we went downstairs to meet with Thomas Jefferson, who quizzed us on several bills he put forth.
How many thought that his Bill for the Freedom for Religion was passed?
I raised my hand because I’ve spoken with him about this before! I was right!
Then he asked how many thought that his bill for slave owners to be able to emancipate their slaves as long as they had means to financially help them.
Although Jefferson wanted slaves to be freed, he knew they needed provisions for shelter, food, clothing, trade, etc to survive.
I raised my hand, certain this had to be the law that allowed Robert Carter III to become the First Emancipator, freeing all his slaves, over 500 of them!
Yes! I was right!
My son had raised his hand on that one too because he hears me tell this story all the time!
How many thought Jefferson’s bill for public education passed?
Uncertainly raising my hand on that, I was wrong.
Jefferson had no idea how freedom for religion and emancipation of slaves could succeed, if the people weren’t educated.
PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON DISCUSSES MISUSED KENTUCKY RESOLVES
Sunday afternoon we met with Jefferson and Washington again, this time focusing on their roles as presidents.
First, we met with President Thomas Jefferson, who discussed the Kentucky Resolves, which he wrote, paired with the Virginia Resolves, which James Madison wrote.
Later, the southern states used his arguments to justify seceding from the Union.
Although Jefferson fought for state’s rights, he strove for the preservation of the Union.
He told us that the phrase about states’ rights in the Kentucky Resolves is in the rough draft, not the final copy!
PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON: PUBLIC EDUCATION SHOULD BE LOCAL CONTROL ONLY
Our visit with Washington clarified a few things as well.
He asked when the Articles of Confederation were written, and my son and I called out 1776.
Although we were close, he said it was 1777.
When were they ratified? A few of us called out 1781.
This is how Washington began his explanation on how the problematic Articles of Confederation wouldn’t work for our country.
When asked about public education, Washington explained he advocates it.
However, when the questioner asked why the federal government should be actively involved in public education, when that should be a local matter, Washington looked at him in surprise, because he completely agreed.
Neither he nor his peers ever thought that the federal government should become involved in public education, because it is a local matter.
That’s why it’s not in the Constitution.
Knowing that Washington often mentions in his Farewell Address that America shouldn’t be involved in foreign affairs, my son explained that we certainly understood that “as a young country we were not yet strong, but someday America would certainly be stronger. Wouldn’t America then be able to stretch her wings?”
Washington agreed, although America should avoid foreign entanglements that have no concern with us, of which he gave numerous examples from his time in office, such as the hundreds of years of war between Britain and France.
SALUTE TO THE PRESIDENTS
Every President’s Day Weekend at Colonial Williamsburg, there is a Salute to the Presidents featuring the firing of cannons and Fife and Drum music.
Then the cannons fire to represent the states with presidents.
Presidents Madison, Jefferson, and Washington, each take turns firing the cannon.
EVENING WITH THE PRESIDENTS
Sunday evening we attended the most festive of all the events, Evening with the Presidents.
Presidents Washington, Jefferson and Madison answered questions from the moderator along the theme of getting along with the legislature, which brought much laughter from the audience.
As each president was introduced, he gave a brief synopsis of his term as president.
After each had their turn, the moderator asked each of them a rather difficult question about how they managed certain agendas in their presidency, with or without the legislature.
Then the moderator allowed the audience to ask questions of whomever they liked.
In the middle of that interesting section, things got really interesting! 😉
Afterwards I went forward to ask President Madison a question.
With a huge smile, Madison reached out to shake my hand as soon as he saw me…which he did for everyone!
After chatting about the Bill of Rights, my asked him a question about the War of 1812 and that led to me asking another question about Madison’s overall role throughout his political career.
We even chatted with President Monroe!
