Inventing the Presidency

In this new podcast from the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, we'll explore George Washington as both President and precedent. From the very origins of the US presidency at Constitutional Convention to Washington’s final warnings in his Farewell Address, we will break down how one man shaped the Presidency—and the many times that it could have all fallen apart.

New to Inventing the Presidency?

Here are some great episodes to start with. Or, check out episodes by topic.

The First Year Season 1 • Episode 2

Episode image for The Making of a President

The Making of a President Season 1 • Episode 1

Recent Episodes

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Oct. 22, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE: Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Library

New from the Washington Presidential Library, Leadership and Legacy invites prominent leaders and historians to reflect on their growth, challenges, and innovative approaches that made them the leaders that they are today, a…

July 8, 2024

The Farewell Address

The publication of the Farewell Address was a momentous occasion for the young United States. In it, Washington established the most significant precedent of his presidency: the two-term limit. By giving up power, Washington…

June 24, 2024

Resistance and Freedom

Ona Maria Judge was twenty years old when the young enslaved woman walked out the doors of the Presidential mansion and never returned. Judge's courageous act of self-emancipation launched a national search and tested Washin…

June 3, 2024

The Price of Peace

In 1794, the United States was on the brink of war. But the British weren't the only ones on the offensive. An incendiary printer with a famous grandfather would soon accuse Washington of treason, tyranny, even murder. In th…

May 20, 2024

The Neutrality Crisis

In 1793, a charismatic young Frenchman would arrive on American shores. His goal? To recruit American support for France’s War against Britain. As his popularity with Americans soared, Washington faced a new crisis that woul…

May 7, 2024

Special Update on Rare Discovery of Preserved Cherries at Mount Vernon

Since news emerged that rare 18th-century cherries were discovered at Mount Vernon, archaeologists have uncovered more artifacts from George Washington’s basement. In this exclusive interview, archaeologists Dr. Jason Boroug…

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