Teachers’ Resources
Supplement Your Classroom Materials — Reasonably
Education was important to George Mason, as it is to us today at Gunston Hall. Enrich your classroom with materials devoted to George Mason and 18th-century life. Stop by the Museum Shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily or call 703-550-9220, ext. 222, with questions or current pricing requests or to place an order. You also can make purchases online. Teachers receive a 10% discount on materials purchased for use in the classroom.
Curriculum Guides
A copy of the grade-appropriate guide is provided free of charge when reserving an on-site or outreach program. Also available in an online format by clicking the links below.
Discover George Mason: Home, State, and Country (free download)
30 lessons for grades 3 through 6.
George Mason, Patriot & Planter (free download)
15 lessons for grades 7 through 12.
Includes a classroom guide to the film, George Mason and the Bill of Rights.
Growing Up at Gunston (free download) For Grades 1 & 2, in conjunction with the Growing Up at Gunston Hall school tour.
Perfect for Teachers
George Mason and the Bill of Rights
This film on Mason's life and political contributions is now available as a DVD. Best suited for grades 4 and up.
Purchase a copy
DVD or video also may be borrowed free of charge for up to three weeks.
George Mason, Father of the Bill of Rights
Carla R. Heymsfeld and Joan W. Lewis. Patriotic Education Incorporated.
Especially for student readers, upper elementary age and up.
Purchase a copy
George Mason, Forgotten Founder.
Jeff Broadwater.
This 2006 biography is especially strong on Mason's political contributions.
Excellent background for teachers.
Purchase a copy
I'm Not Signing That!: George Mason Stands Up for the United States Bill of Rights
An American Citizenship Project book.
Based on historical fact, this text was written by a group of Kansas students.
Especially for student readers, upper elementary age and up.
Purchase a copy
Of Land & Labor.
M. Lauren Bisbee.
An exploration of 18th-century life on a Virginia plantation, with Gunston Hall as the focus.
Appropriate for use with a secondary school class or for background for teachers.
Purchase a copy
The Recollections of John Mason.
You and your students can read what George Mason=s fourth son, John, had to say about Gunston Hall, plantation life, and his distinguished father. The beautifully-illustrated primary document, divided into thematic topics for easy classroom use, features a short biography of George Mason.
Purchase a copy
Educational Posters
George Mason. Purchase a copy
Virginia Declaration of Rights. Purchase a copy
On-Site Lectures and Workshops for Teachers
Teachers, you are invited for a special complimentary educator’s tour on weekdays during the summer months. The tour is conducted by a member of the education department or a docent and will follow the route of a George Mason’s Plantation World school tour. If you have never visited Gunston Hall and are considering bringing classes on a field trip, this would be a perfect first step. Bring other members of your department or team and share an enjoyable visit to the 18th century.
This tour is free of charge, but is available by reservation only. Call 703-550-9220 or email Education Manager Lacey Villiva at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Assistant Education Coordinator, Frank Barker, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Plan a Workshop with Us
Plan a teacher workshop or special-focus visit on George Mason or 18th-century plantation life. The Education Department is delighted to work with educators (12 or more preferred), either at Gunston Hall or on location in your school or district.
Library and Archives
Carry out research in the Gunston Hall Library and Archives. The collection of manuscripts, rare books, and modern reference resources covers a wide range of 18th-century topics. Contact the Librarian to make an appointment, 703-550-9229 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Website Resources
Educational materials about Gunston Hall and George Mason may be found in other locations on our Website:
Education