Join us at Woodlawn this spring for our Coffee and Conversation series, where we bridge the gap between scholarly research and community dialogue. Each session pairs scholarly insight with discussion, offering a unique space to learn, reflect, and connect.
When: Third Saturday of the month, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Tickets: $50 individual/ $120 season package
Bundle & Save: Purchase a Spring Package for $120 to attend all three sessions (a $30 savings!)
How should we remember George Washington’s relationship with slavery? It’s a question Americans have been debating for nearly 250 years.
Join Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House on April 18 for an engaging book talk with historian John Garrison Marks, author of Thy Will Be Done: George Washington's Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory. Through compelling stories and original research, Marks explores Washington’s complicated legacy as both the nation’s most prominent enslaver and the only Founding Father to emancipate the people he held in bondage. From abolitionists and politicians to educators, activists, and the descendants of Washington’s enslaved community, Marks reveals how generations of Americans have argued over, reshaped, and sometimes avoided this history.
1:00 pm: Join a subject matter expert for an in-depth exploration of local history and its national relevance.
2:30 pm: Engage in spirited conversation with the speaker over coffee and light refreshments, participate in a book signing, and explore the house with insight from staff.
To celebrate our kickoff event, guests may attend the lecture portion of the program for free, or purchase a $50 ticket to enjoy the full experience.
Your $50 Ticket Includes:
Lecture & Q&A: Guaranteed seating at the keynote presentation and interactive Q&A session
Signed Book: A copy of Thy Will Be Done, with an exclusive book signing by the author.
Historic Tours: Access to Woodlawn for open-hour tours.
Refreshments: Complimentary coffee and light bites.
About the Speaker:
John Garrison Marks is a historian and writer exploring the United States' histories of race, slavery and public memory. He is the author or editor of three books, and his writing has appeared in the Washington Post, TIME, Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications. His latest book, Thy Will Be Done: George Washington's Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory, explores how generations of Americans have made sense of George Washington's involvement in slavery. Marks currently serves as the Vice President of Research and Engagement for the American Association for State and Local History, the national professional association for public history practitioners and institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Rice University. A New Jersey native, Marks currently lives outside Washington, DC.