The use of folk magic may seem foreign and exotic to many of us in the 21st century. If we look closer, though, it is apparent that some modern Americans still practice it today – even if they don’t realize it. Have you ever hunted for a four-leaf clover? Have you ever hung a horseshoe … Continue reading Cunning Folk and Conjurors: Folk Magic in Colonial Virginia
Month: October 2016
Ten Pivotal Moments in George Washington’s Boyhood
George Washington did not experience what we would now consider a normal childhood. Life at Ferry Farm was filled with excitement, sadness, intrigue, and tragedy for young George. Here we present a list of “Ten Pivotal Moments of George Washington’s Boyhood.” This is by no means an exhaustive list but each of these events definitely … Continue reading Ten Pivotal Moments in George Washington’s Boyhood
Photos: Historic Kenmore Behind-the-Scenes Tours
On rare occasions, Historic Kenmore offers special behind-the-scenes tours that take visitors into portions of the home not usually open to the public during regular tours. Additionally, Meghan Budinger, Aldrich Director of Curatorial Operations, leads the tour and shares her expert insights and knowledge into the mansion's history, furnishing, and ongoing preservation. This past weekend, visitors once … Continue reading Photos: Historic Kenmore Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Photos: Thank You, Volunteers!
The George Washington Foundation held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Thursday, October 20 at George Washington's Ferry Farm. Volunteers contributed over 11,000 hours of work at Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore over the past year! Without them, we'd be history! If you're interested in volunteering, click here.
Ten Well-Known Visitors to Historic Kenmore
Since its transformation into a historic site, Kenmore has drawn its share of prominent and recognizable visitors including a vice president, a congressman, and numerous First Ladies of the United States. Indeed, the ladies of the Kenmore Association, who worked to save, restore, and operate the historic home during the 20th century, made it a … Continue reading Ten Well-Known Visitors to Historic Kenmore
Photos: Building George’s House – Timber Framing Finished
Expert craftsmen from Blue Ridge Timberwrights recently completed constructing the timber frame of the Washington house interpretive replica at Ferry Farm. This collection of photographs documents the their work and begins a week into the process. You can see photos from the first week of work here. What's next? Shingles! Learn more about constructing the Washington house interpretive replica … Continue reading Photos: Building George’s House – Timber Framing Finished
Ten Cool But Rarely-Exhibited Artifacts Found at Ferry Farm
When you enter a museum you’re surrounded by cool stuff. Be it paintings, fossils, or ancient artifacts, they’re all special items that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. But what if I told you that the cool objects you see on display in a museum are a mere fraction of what most museums actually … Continue reading Ten Cool But Rarely-Exhibited Artifacts Found at Ferry Farm
Ten Rarely-Displayed Objects from Kenmore’s Collection
It is impossible for museums to exhibit the thousands of objects in their collections. Historic Kenmore is no exception. While each of our objects is certainly unique and interesting, not every piece fits within our current interpretation of the life and times of the Lewis family. One reason museums might not display items is they … Continue reading Ten Rarely-Displayed Objects from Kenmore’s Collection
Video: William Key Howard, Jr. – Saving Kenmore’s Ceilings
In this video, learn about William Key Howard, Jr., who lived in Kenmore with his family in the years following the Civil War and repaired damage to the house's plaster ceilings in the first restoration of Kenmore. You can learn more about William Key Howard, Jr. and why his boat is still in the attic … Continue reading Video: William Key Howard, Jr. – Saving Kenmore’s Ceilings
“A Silly Bauble”: Ferry Farm’s Sputnik Moment
Sputniks and mutniks, flying through the air, Sputniks and mutniks, flying everywhere, It's so ironic. Are they atomic? Those funny missiles have got me scared. -Lyrics from “Sputniks and Mutniks” by Ray Anderson and the Home Folks (1958) “Beep, Beep, Beep…” went the sinister telemetry signals from the Earth’s first artificial satellite. Launched by the … Continue reading “A Silly Bauble”: Ferry Farm’s Sputnik Moment
Lives & Legacies 