The Indispensable Founder: George Washington (Lecture)




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As America celebrates 250 years of independence, this course will examine the indispensable founder, George Washington.  We will explore Washington's life and political leadership as well as his work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and architect.  We will also review the groundbreaking work of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) which has owned and managed George Washington's Mount Vernon since 1858. In that year, an intrepid group of women (who had no right to vote or own property) came together to save George Washington's home, after both the Federal Government and Commonwealth of Virginia had refused to help. MVLA formation marked the birth of the historic preservation movement.

Your instructor: Dede Petri
Anne “Dede” Neal Petri was elected the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) in 2024. The MVLA, founded in 1858, is responsible for the management and preservation of George Washington's Mount Vernon. The MVLA mission is to educate the world about the leadership and character of George Washington in order to inspire future generations. Petri received her undergraduate degree in American history and literature from Harvard College and her law degree from Harvard Law School.

Class Dates and Time: Mondays, July 13 through August 17
10am Pacific | 11am Mountain | 12pm Central | 1pm Eastern
Each session is 90 minutes. 
 
 Class schedule: Live lecture will take place on Mondays via ZOOM 
  • 7/13/2026
  • 7/20/2026
  • 7/27/2026
  • 8/3/2026
  • 8/10/2026
  • 8/17/2026


June 30, 2026, 1pm Central is the Osher Online Member Orientation.

Class Details

6 Session(s)
Weekly - Mon

Location
Virtual - Any Location

Instructor
Osher Online 

Tuition: 

$70.00

Email olli@northwestern.edu for more information. Send to Friend »

Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
7/13/2026 - 8/17/2026 Weekly - Mon 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM N/A, Virtual - Any Location  Map Osher Online 

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