Such a tiny thing, a letter. What does it mean now? For many of us, a letter via 'snail mail' is a nuisance. Needless paper that litters our mailbox. Ads. Spam. Bills. Scams (most of which are electronic now and also a pain). Mail has been ruined for most of us with the sheer barrage … Continue reading Letters from the Battlefield
Marbled Paper – The (Secret) Art and Function of Paint Blobs
The design of books today is an art form. Think about it. What will catch the reader's eye? What cover art will convey the theme or subject of the pages inside? If you've ever pulled an older book off a shelf, say one owned or used by George Washington (or a descendant of the family), … Continue reading Marbled Paper – The (Secret) Art and Function of Paint Blobs
Summertime Fun: Colonial June Fair
Ask someone to list traditional summertime activities, and they will probably mention picnics, family reunions, beach vacations, mountain getaways, and baseball games. Their list is likely to include going to the fair as well. The fair as a summer pastime is a long tradition and, like many American traditions, can be traced back to the … Continue reading Summertime Fun: Colonial June Fair
Camp George v. George: A Summer Camp to Travel Back to Colonial Virginia
School is out for summer…almost! Students are counting down the days until they are free from homework, but the learning does not have to stop!. The George Washington Foundation has been busy preparing fun-filled summer camps to encourage critical thinking through exploring the past. In our Camp George v. George, students will be asked, “Would … Continue reading Camp George v. George: A Summer Camp to Travel Back to Colonial Virginia
We’re Digging! – A Preview of 2022 Archeological Excavations at Ferry Farm
Field archaeologists will once again be working outdoors at George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm from May 16th through July 29th. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. The excavation site, located on the east side of the Washington House, is accessible to the public, and our staff will … Continue reading We’re Digging! – A Preview of 2022 Archeological Excavations at Ferry Farm
Put A Lid On it: Mason Jars and Home Canning in America
As a Historic Preservation major at the University of Mary Washington, I spend a lot of time studying objects from the past. Through my courses, I have learned that common, everyday objects are often able to reflect the values of the people that created and used them. I kept this in mind during my internship … Continue reading Put A Lid On it: Mason Jars and Home Canning in America
1925 Dedication Day: A (Block) Party from the Past
Spring is a busy time of year for historic house museums, as we see an influx of school groups, vacationers, and families taking advantage of the beautiful weather. This spring is an especially exciting year at Historic Kenmore since we are preparing to celebrate our centennial anniversary! As discussed in our previous blog post, it … Continue reading 1925 Dedication Day: A (Block) Party from the Past
Winter Ailments (and how to endure them in the eighteenth century)
As spring approaches in the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern states, we welcome the chance to spend more time outdoors in the fresh air instead of cooped up in our houses – getting sick. Ailments such as colds and flu are contractible anytime, but we usually associate them with the wintertime as that’s when they seem … Continue reading Winter Ailments (and how to endure them in the eighteenth century)
Kenmore’s Centennial: How the Ladies of the Kenmore Association Saved the Lewis Family Home
The year 2022 is significant for The George Washington Foundation as it is the centennial of the saving of Kenmore. We have begun the new year with a new exhibit exploring the saving of Kenmore by The Kenmore Association and the beginning of the restoration of the house and turning it into a treasured historic … Continue reading Kenmore’s Centennial: How the Ladies of the Kenmore Association Saved the Lewis Family Home
You’ve Got Mail: Development of the Colonial Postal Service in Virginia
The sending of a letter in Colonial America was more challenging than today. The concept of post offices and regularly scheduled mail arrivals and departures evolved slowly in the colonies. Colonial mail faced many obstacles. Geography, political opposition, and a general lack of interest hindered a national system that serviced all the colonies. How to … Continue reading You’ve Got Mail: Development of the Colonial Postal Service in Virginia
Lives & Legacies 