Exhibition The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution

Access Text

Welcome to the Library of Congress Two Georges Exhibit QR Code Tour pages. These pages are for in-person visitors who would benefit from access to exhibit text on a digital device while walking around the exhibit.

Exhibition Introduction

Most people think of George Washington and King George III as opponents and opposites. Our understanding of them is clouded by myths about Washington’s cherry tree and wooden teeth, and George III’s tyranny and his reputation as the “Mad King.” Their writings, featured in this exhibition, tell a fuller story, revealing them as people we can get to know.

This exhibition brings together three extraordinary collections — George Washington’s papers from the Library of Congress, George III’s scientific instruments from the Science Museum Group in London, and George III’s papers from the Royal Collection and Royal Archives — for the first time. These materials allow us to examine the parallel lives of these two men, who were born just six years apart. They show how both were shaped by the British Empire, the Enlightenment, and revolution. They reveal their shared interests in science and agriculture and illuminate how they approached the challenges of their time, including war, slavery, politics, and the pressures of public life.

Acknowledgments

The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution is made possible by:

Anonymous
Beverly L. Hamilton
HISTORY ®
The Estate of Leonard and Elaine Silverstein
Dr. Scholl Foundation
FTS International
Albert H. Small

The Library of Congress thanks His Majesty King Charles III and the Science Museum Group for their assistance with this exhibition.

Using QR Codes

QR codes are located at the top left corner of the text panels located next to each display case.
Scan the QR code using the camera on your phone, tablet, or other personal device. A web page with the text description of each exhibit will open.

Start Your Tour

You can also use the list of links below to explore the exhibit descriptions. This list moves through the exhibits around the room starting on the left.

Gallery Orientation

When you enter the rectangular gallery, you will be standing in front of the exhibition’s title wall. This includes a three-minute introductory video that plays continuously.

The exhibition is organized in a loop. We recommend starting your visit here, entering straight ahead, and then walking around the exhibition in a clockwise direction until you return to the entrance. The exhibition includes six sections and twenty-four rectangular display cases.

To your left is the exhibition’s introductory text. Larger-than-life portraits of King George III and George Washington flank the entrance to the exhibition.

The portrait of King George III on the left depicts him standing, wearing a powdered wig and a red coat. He is holding a document and looking to the right, toward the portrait of George Washington. The caption reads: Benjamin West. George III, 1779 (detail). © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.

The portrait of George Washington on the right depicts him standing with his right hand resting on his hip and his left hand resting on a cannon aimed in the direction of the portrait of King George III. He is wearing a powdered wig and a dark blue coat. The caption reads: Charles Willson Peale. George Washington, ca. 1779–1781(detail). Image copyright © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Image source: Art Resource, NY.

To continue, walk through the entrance between the portraits of King George III and George Washington. The first display case, in front of you, has a text panel on the right titled “The Young Georges.” Scan the QR code at the top left corner of this panel.

Direction to Next QR Code

To continue, walk around to the other side of “The Young Georges” text panel. The text panel on this side is titled “Surveying the British Empire.” Scan the QR code at the top left corner of the text panel.