Snapchat’s latest update allows users to face-swap with a photo from their device’s camera roll. Over the past week that’s produced a deluge of swaps with television and film star faces… but why not historical figures? And why not learn something new at the same time? Behold! Your newest Snapchat face-swap kit + reading material!
Unsure of how to use the face-swap feature on Snapchat? Not to worry, it’s easy. Simply save one of the photos we’ve provided here and then follow these instructions. We had Joaquin the Social Media Intern (aka Young Abe, for those of you who followed our April Fools’ Day gag) test them out, and he had a great time.
After posting your creation using #FoundingFaceSwap, check the links below each image to learn more. You’ll make your friends laugh with the snap, and then impress them with your knowledge of our Founding Fathers.
George Washington
Did you know Washington had one remaining tooth at the time of his inauguration? During his lifetime he wore dentures made of cow, hippopotamus, and even human teeth (some his own), as well as ivory or lead. But he never wore wooden teeth. Check out these other common misconceptions about our first president.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson had pet mockingbirds, and served one of his favorites, macaroni and cheese, when entertaining and hosting dinners at the White House. Think you know everything about the man on the $2 bill? Here’s a set of common misconceptions about our third president.
James Madison
Like wearing the color black? So did James Madison. He was also one of the shortest and lightest presidents to rule our country, standing just 5 feet, 6 inches and weighing less than 100 pounds. Learn more about James Madison (nicknamed “Jemmy” as a boy), watch him debate party politics, and discuss the ideal qualities of a president.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin visited Williamsburg in 1756, to receive the first honorary Master of Arts degree conferred by the College of William & Mary. After you face-swap him, go fly a reproduction 18th-century kite to banish from your mind the mental image of said face-swap.
I don’t agree
https://allthingsliberty.com/2014/01/franklins-top-15-items-take-cruise/
Jeni
I agree that men had a broader scope of activities and a better chance for recognition in the 18th century, but I think it’s absolutely essential that Colonial Williamsburg try to give a well-rounded picture of what all sorts of people were doing back then. And I also know there are a number of Founding Mother portraits. Abigail Adams and Martha Washington would look great here, just to name two. Minority portraits might be a little harder to find, How about it, CW experts — are you up for a challenge?
I love colonial Williamsburg and the way you allow us to access the past. But i am angry as I read this because history, as true historians like you know, is not reserved for men. There were women and African Americans in colonial Williamsburg. Where are they for snapchat photos. I am sick of hounding fathers. Without the support of women, and often, the influence of women and the actions of women, the United States of America or a Colonial Williamsburg.
I think Williamsburg actually does more than enough to celebrate minorities and women of the 18th century. Take a look at all the programs they have centered around them! The 18th century was primarily a man’s world, and although we may wish it were different, we can not wish the past into reality. Men simply had the most opportunity to make a difference in the world, as these great men did. The founding fathers deserve to be honored for their dedication to the cause of freedom and liberty, not for their being men,.
Amen!!!! Some folks just need to take a chill pill and see the world as it was, not as they would have liked it to be.
Oops, should have wrote, “liked to have been.” Apparently, I’m grammatically but not politically correct.