George Washington, say who?

Kathleen Parker's Feb. 25, 2005, "George Washington, say who?" column at townhall.com takes a look at the problem of historical ignorance in this country, primarily from the perspective of the people who keep Mount Vernon alive. She also talks about how the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is launching a $95 million education project. Part (but only part) of this initiative includes a new orientation and education center at the site, but underground so it won't disturb the look of the place.

There are no government funds involved: these are people who see a need and attend to it themselves, thank you very much. They have raised about $85 million already. You can pitch in by making a donation or buying something from their online store. If it's your cup of tea, you can even buy a 3' x 5' United States flag certified to have flown over Mount Vernon.

The Mount Vernon folks have a fair amount of information on George Washington and his times on their website, www.mountvernon.org. This is not to mention a virtual tour of Mount Vernon.