Colonial American. Think about that term. What does it mean to you? It refers to citizens of the American colonies prior to the Revolution. In the minds of many of us in the present-day United States, however, it might denote a unique American identity, probably because our own identities as Americans are firmly set and … Continue reading Put That in Your Pipe and Smoke It: Tobacco & Politics in the 1700s
Month: August 2016
In Memory of Mother Washington
Today, August 25th, marks the 227th anniversary of the death of George Washington’s mother, Mary. Mary lived to be 82 years old, and suffered from breast cancer during her final years. Few biographers have been neutral in their treatment of Mother Washington, a woman of great significance in George’s life. Some writers have offered overly … Continue reading In Memory of Mother Washington
George Washington, My Grandfather, and the Noble Art of Fencing
Editor’s Note: This is the second of two posts inspired by this year’s Summer Olympics. This week, Archaeologist Mara Kaktins reflects on the connection fencing has created between her family and George Washington. Read our first Olympics-inspired post here. At our monthly blog meetings, post topics are floated and people grab them up, usually when it aligns … Continue reading George Washington, My Grandfather, and the Noble Art of Fencing
Photos: “The Taming of the Shrew” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare by Candlelight
This past weekend was Shakespeare by Candlelight at Historic Kenmore! William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew was presented in eighteenth-century style on the Lawn at Kenmore on Friday and Saturday nights and, because of a thunderstorm, indoors on Sunday night. Enjoy this collection of photographs from the Saturday and Sunday performances. Learn more about The … Continue reading Photos: “The Taming of the Shrew” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare by Candlelight
Show Horse: How Colonial Horse and Rider Looked Their Best
Editor's Note: This is the first of two posts inspired by this year's Summer Olympics. This week, it's an equestrian-inspired post from Archaeologist Laura Galke, who briefly looks at some of the ornaments found on 18th century horse tack. What an impressive sight the Washingtons made as they rode their horses with bridles and straps embellished … Continue reading Show Horse: How Colonial Horse and Rider Looked Their Best
Video – Building George’s House: Making the Foundation Stones
In this video, we learn how Stonemasons Ray Cannetti, Kevin Neito, and Robert Hall split and dressed Aquia sandstone into foundation stones for the Washington House interpretive replica at Ferry Farm. Learn about the special concrete cradle the foundation stones will rest on in this video and read more about the Washington House project here.
Bartmann Bottle: The Coolest Thing We’ve Ever Found
We excavate hundreds of artifacts every day during the field season at George Washington's Ferry Farm and occasionally one or two really stand out. For me, the most interesting artifacts uncovered during the past few years are fragments of a Bartmann Jug. The combination of an animated human face and fascinating symbolism makes this particular … Continue reading Bartmann Bottle: The Coolest Thing We’ve Ever Found
Lives & Legacies 