April 30, 1789 - George Washington Becomes First U.S. President

George Washington became the first U.S. President on April 30, 1789. His oath of office was delivered on the balcony of Federal Hall at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets in New York City. See below for a small sampling of the George Washington programs available on SAFARI Montage as part of our Video Streaming Library.

NEW!!! How We Became America: The Untold History: George Washington: The First President – This video from American Battlefield Trust describes the presidency of George Washington. After the Revolutionary War, Washington retired to his Virginia plantation, but as the most respected man in the nation, he reluctantly agreed to be the first President of the United States. Washington appointed people to the first Cabinet positions and judges to the court system, used soldiers to stop protests against higher taxes, and met with Native American leaders and diplomats from Europe. He was not willing to run for a third four-year term. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution now guarantees that a president serves only two terms. Also includes an extension question to extend understanding of the content. Hosted on YouTube. Grades 7-Adult.

George Washington’s First Inaugural Address, New York, April 30, 1789 - This web link from Lit2Go presents a full audio reading and complete transcript of President George Washington's first inaugural address, which he delivered in New York City on April 30, 1789. Grades 5-Adult.

President George Washington’s First Inaugural Speech (1789) – A PDF image of President George Washington’s first inaugural speech. Although not required by the Constitution, George Washington presented the first presidential inaugural address in New York City on April 30, 1789. The Teacher's Guide contains the historical context and transcript of this milestone document in United States history. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration. Grades K-12.

George Washington (Schlessinger Media) – Examines the life of the man whose leadership helped transform 13 colonies into a brilliant new country. From leading the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War to helping to shape the young nation, kids will get an up-close look at the man many refer to as the ''Father of Our Country.''?Available in English/ Spanish. Grades K-4.

History Kids: George Washington (Wonderscape Education) - In this program, learn about the incredible life of George Washington including his early years, military career, role in the Revolutionary War, presidency, later years and historical legacy. Detailed graphics, diagrams and exciting video, as well as on-screen, multiple-choice reviews at the end of each segment, reinforce important concepts and make learning fun. Grades 4-9.

Liberty's Kids: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King (PBS) - In this episode of Liberty's Kids some members of George Washington's officer corps want him to become King, but Washington puts down the revolt. James tells Sarah and Henri the story of the attempted military coup, and the three kids journey to Maryland to see Washington offer his resignation to Congress. Grades 1-6.

George Washington: American Revolutionary (A&E) – Fighting for the British, he lost the first battle he ever commanded. Fighting against them, he turned the tide on a war many thought was doomed from the start. George Washington was forced into early adulthood at age 11, when his father died. The future hero trained as a surveyor, but longed to follow in his half brother's footsteps and join a British Regiment. BIOGRAPHY? recounts how he did this, volunteering for a dangerous assignment in 1753. But his destiny lay with a nation yet to be founded. Through brilliant commentary and extensive archival material, this authoritative portrait traces his life and career. Grades 7-Adult.

Disney’s The American Presidents: Revolution and the New Nation & Expansion and Reform (Disney Educational) - This segmented program includes short-form biographies on the presidents, from George Washington to James K. Polk, along with overviews covering the years 1754-1861 for historical context. Viewers will learn about the men who led America from the Revolution and the birth of a new nation through westward expansion and 19th-century reform. The program features interviews with political luminaries such as Sam Donaldson, Wesley Clark and Paul Begala. Grades 3-8.

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: I Am George Washington/I Am Susan B. Anthony (PBS) - Follows the adventures of Xavier, Yadina and Brad as they tackle everyday problems by doing something extraordinary: traveling back in time to learn from real-life inspirational figures when they were kids. In this episode, Xavier and his friends go back in time to meet one of the best leaders in the history of the United States: George Washington. Then, they go back in time to meet someone who stood up for the rights of all people: Susan B. Anthony. Grades PreK-2.

George Washington - This video from Mini BIO presents a brief biography of George Washington (1732-1799) who, after an illustrious career of leading the colonies successfully through the American Revolution and presiding over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, set a momentous example for the new republic by giving up power after having served as its first president for two terms. Washington is justly called the ''Father of His Country.'' Hosted on YouTube.?Grades 5-Adult.?

The Oddities of the First American Election - This TED-Ed lesson by Kenneth C. Davis discusses how George Washington was elected the first president of the United States. Hosted on YouTube. Grades 7-Adult.