Washington Crossing Group Hosting Lecture By Washington Historian

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — Friends of Washington Crossing Park will be hosting a virtual lecture with Dr. Matthew Costello, senior historian of the White House Historical Association on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m.

Costello will be discussing the contents of his 2019 book, “The Property of the Nation: George Washington’s Tomb, Mount Vernon, and the Memory of the First President”, which was a finalist for the 2020 George Washington Prize.

The book covers the legacy of the first president through the events surrounding his burial at Mount Vernon and the political implications it had throughout the history of the United States.

Costello's book tells stories about people wanting to relocate Washington's tomb for political reasons, the process of turning Mount Vernon into a modern pilgrimage and tourism site, and how the president was transformed from a symbol of republicanism to democracy throughout time.

All this and more will be covered during the lecture, whose title shares the name of the book.

The lecture will be hosted virtually on Zoom by the Friends of Washington Crossing Park and sponsored by Washington Crossing Historical Park. The event is free, but those interested must register before Oct. 17 on the Friends of Washington Crossing Park's website.