The man walked with style, a cane emphasizing this was not someone just strolling the Mount Vernon grounds. He was the essence of Mount Vernon just as much as its late owner.

Tobias Lear was George Washington’s personal secretary in war and peace. He recorded the first president’s last words, served as a colonel under the general during the Revolutionary War and died life suddenly to silence his headaches.

And here Lear was in a spiffy green outfit with big shiny buttons. I asked if he could speak to a student group I was leading. Sorry, he was heading to an appointment. But, 20 minutes later, the modern Lear stopped for a chat to a bunch of eighth graders initially hesitant to interact.

Yes, it seems a little weird sometimes, but Lear was a pro. Instead of rambling, he invited questions. And the kids were great. Some really knew their stuff and asked specifics like whether Washington and Alexander Hamilton were friends. Lear smiled and said it depended on which of the two men were asked.

The re-enactor then talked 15 minutes on a wide range of subjects before I had to move the group inside the mansion. I could have stayed hours. The kids loved it.

So whenever you’re at Mount Vernon, and I very much encourage you to visit, engage those 18th-century folks who truly bring the estate alive.