Presidential Historian Richard Norton Smith reflects on the evolution of George Washington’s character, examining how his parents, peers, marriage, and military experience helped shape his personality.

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Each week, American History TV’s American Artifacts takes viewers behind the scenes at archives, museums, and historic sites. This week, we visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon where recent archaeological discoveries have led to a new understanding and interpretation of his garden – and of Washington as a gardener.

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Author and lecturer Peter Henriques speaks at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, about the documented experiences of George Washington’s slaves.

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A look behind the scenes at the recreated George Washington Distillery as an apple brandy is made. American History TV spoke to Dennis Pogue, Vice President in charge of conservation at Mount Vernon and author of "Founding Spirits: George Washington and the Beginnings of the American Whiskey Industry."

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Author and history professor David Hackett Fischer discusses the problems that faced George Washington and the tactics and strategies the first President used to address those challenges.

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To mark George Washington's birthday, the American Enterprise Institute hosted a gathering of political thinkers to consider the presidency and legacy of our nation's first chief executive. Among the topics discussed are Washington's Farewell Address and the many precedents he set for his successors, including what many historians believe to be his most lasting legacy -- his decision to relinquish power after only two terms in office.

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How is slavery interpreted at historic sites – and how has that interpretation evolved over the last quarter century? Those were among the questions addressed at a conference convened at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to consider the history of slavery scholarship and how it makes its way to the American public.

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These are unedited excerpts from a 1995 conversation with President Eisenhower’s son, John. A retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, he talks about his father’s role as Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He also discusses Ike’s relationships with American and British generals and how he compromised with Allied nations to bring World War II in Europe to an end. Independent producer George Colburn conducted this interview as part of a documentary series on Dwight D. Eisenhower’s military and political career – a period covering from 1941 to 1961.  His latest project –  “Eisenhower’s Secret War” – debuts on public television stations nation-wide in May. Hosted by Evan Thomas, author of “Ike’s Bluff," Mr. Colburn’s two-part program focuses on Ike’s campaign to wage peace in the aftermath of World War II.

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In this program from our 1999 "American Presidents: Life Portraits" series we focused on James Garfield's life and career. Historians discussed Garfield's military service, his election as president and assassination shortly after his inauguration. Suzanne Miller, the site manager at Garfield's home in Mentor, Ohio, talked about several of the artifacts and documents that Garfield left behind. 

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