Students Visit Oatlands Historic House & Gardens

Students in Professor Cassandra Good’s history course “Virginia and the Old South” visited Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in Loudoun County, Virginia on October 31st. After reading about life for both black and white families in Loudoun County in the antebellum era, students had a chance to see one of the plantations they read about come to life.

Oatlands, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, features a large home built in 1804 as well as historic gardens, outbuildings, and archaeological sites. Director of Programming and Education Lori Kimball led students on a tour of the site and provided insights into the life of both free and enslaved residents of the nineteenth century. She also showed the group archaeological work in progress to uncover the original entry road to the estate and invited students to come back and join the dig.

This field trip was provided free of charge to the students with the support of the Office of the Provost and the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. It showcases Marymount’s commitment to engaging, hands-on learning opportunities and taking advantage of our excellent local resources and sites.