Project Enlightenment Explained

Project Enlightenmentis a historical interpretation society affiliated with McLean High School. The project was begun in 1992 by Physics teacher Dean Howarth, who estimated in 2008 that 400-500 members had passed through the group in 16 years, although this figure is unsubstantiated.[1] In 2011, it was expanded into a fully credited Living History class.

The group focuses on the late eighteenth-century enlightenment era. A wide range of subject areas are represented by members, including the natural sciences, music, literature, military affairs, art, and politics.[2] It is unusual among similar reenacting groups in its extensive interpretation of civilian affairs, especially scientific.

Notable Events

The group performs annually at George Washington's Mount Vernon.[1]

The group works closely with several notable historical sites in Alexandria, Virginia, and frequently makes appearances at Gadsby's Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop.[3]

Project Enlightenment has appeared at James Madison's Montpelier, along with notable James Madison reënactor John Douglass Hall.[4] [5]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Huzzah! Dean Howarth of Project Enlightenment. George Washington Wired. 5 March 2012.
  2. Web site: McLean Students Aim to Portray History in an Accurate Light. Sun Gazette. 3 March 2012.
  3. News: Reenacting Past in Alexandria. 5 March 2012. Mclean Connection.
  4. Web site: Montpelier to Celebrate National Constitution Day with Fireworks, Food, and Patriotic Music on the Mansion Law. James Madison's Montpelier. 6 March 2012.
  5. Web site: Mont pelier Announces Lynne Cheney as Const it ut ion Day Keynot e Speaker. James Madison's Montpelier. 6 March 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20101010054355/http://montpelier.org/aboutus/press/media/pdf/10sep09-constitution_day.pdf. 10 October 2010. dead.