"Biltmore Estate"
Asheville, North Carolina

(All images used with permission from Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina)

Guest: Nancy Cooper
Thursday, October 21, 1999
Transcript

Biltmore Estate is truly one of America's treasures! The vision of the wealthy George Washington Vanderbilt, this luxurious home and working estate is unique in many respects. Not only is there the 250 room mansion full of rare antiques and works of art, but also fabulous gardens and an award-winning winery. There is no other estate quite like this one in the United States! Join our guest, Nancy Cooper, who will be fielding questions on the history of Biltmore House and its collections.

The Biltmore Estate Town Meeting will be originating from the Loggia (shown on the right), the terrace outside of the Tapestry Gallery with unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance once part of the original estate.

Questions for students to consider:

• What was the origin of the idea for Mr. Vanderbilt's estate?
• How did Mr. Vanderbilt have the money to build his mansion?
• Where did Mr. Vanderbilt travel to purchase furnishings and works of art for his home?
• What are examples of "state of the art" technology in the late 1890's Mr. Vanderbilt had installed in his home?
• Who were the two famous men hired to design and construct the house and surrounding gardens?
• If you were a guest of Mr. Vanderbilt, what were some of the things you could do to entertain yourself while staying at Biltmore Estate?
• What are some of the special artworks housed at Biltmore Estate?

Suggested optional class project (for older students):

George Washington Vanderbilt was raised in an extremely wealthy family during the Victorian Age. His grandfather and father made fortunes in the shipping and railroad industries. This extreme wealth allowed a life of leisure for the Vanderbilt families. Students could investigate the Victorian Era, researching what it would have been like to live in high society during this time. What were the customs and rules of etiquette governing the behavior of the wealthy Victorians? Students could compare and contrast these to the norms of behavior today. Would they like to live under the rules of Victorian society or stick with today's standards of conduct?

Internet Resources

Biltmore Estate publishes a Student Resource Guide. If you would like to receive this booklet, or additional information about the School Host Program, please email Biltmore Estate. Click Here to Email.

Nancy Cooper is the School Host Program Crew Leader at Biltmore Estate. She has worked at Biltmore for the past four years leading and training staff to lead children's groups through the home. Nancy also develops materials for interpretation of Biltmore House history and assists the Curatorial Department by translating letters and other materials from French to English.

Before working at Biltmore Estate, Nancy worked in education. She was both a teacher and administrator of early childhood programs. Attending Houghton College, Nancy earned a bachelor's degree in French, later earning a masters degree in Home Economics and Child Development from Western Carolina University.

Last updated: 11/18/05