“I went in to the Bed as they call’d it when to my Surprize I found it to be nothing but a Little Straw—Matted together without Sheets or any thing else but only one Thread Bear blanket with double its Weight of Vermin such as Lice Fleas &c,” wrote 15-year-old George Washington in his Journal … Continue reading “With Double Its Weight of Vermin”: Bugs in George’s Bed
Month: April 2016
Shakespeare Day in Virginia!
Governor Terry McAuliffe has proclaimed today - Saturday, April 23, 2016 - as Shakespeare Day in Virginia! While we're planning and preparing Shakespeare on the Lawn in June, our first-ever Shakespeare Camp in July, and Shakespeare by Candlelight in August as Historic Kenmore's contributions to this year's many commemorations across the Commonwealth, we want to take a moment on this … Continue reading Shakespeare Day in Virginia!
Restoring Kenmore’s Gardens
While the various restorations of Kenmore itself over the years are usually the star attraction for visitors to the site, there was another restoration, equally as important, that occurred on the property in its early years as a museum. Kenmore’s gardens are well-known for their beauty now, but when the Kenmore Association acquired the property … Continue reading Restoring Kenmore’s Gardens
Video: Arbor Day Celebration
Each year, Historic Kenmore is the site of the Arbor Day Celebration for the City of Fredericksburg. This video shares sights and sounds from this year's celebration held on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
Some Tax Myths… Busted!
Benjamin Franklin once wrote that “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” And with the deadline to pay the federal income tax only days away it would be difficult to disagree with the founding father. However in the 200 years since the American Revolution, a few popular misconceptions attach themselves to that universal truth. This blog … Continue reading Some Tax Myths… Busted!
Photos: Glue Through a Microscope
While living at Ferry Farm, Mary Washington, mother of George, owned a creamware punch bowl with beautiful hand-painted enamel depicting a floral motif and cherry accents. Archaeologists excavated pieces of this bowl from the cellar of the Washington home and subsequently discovered glue residue on the sherds. We've written about the importance of the bowl's discovery here … Continue reading Photos: Glue Through a Microscope
These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Archaeologists are somewhat unique in their appreciation for all things broken, mostly due to the coveted information discarded items can tell us about those who died long ago. However, occasionally a fragment is unearthed which is both informative and beautiful. Such is the case with a lovely cobalt blue decanter stopper excavated on the grounds … Continue reading These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Video: UV Light in Museums
Ultraviolet light is an important and useful tool within the museum world. In this video, we show you how archaeologists and curators use UV light in their work with artifacts and historic objects.
Lives & Legacies 