The story of Mary Ball Washington is one of overcoming a lifetime of adversity. Often overshadowed by her larger than life son George, Mary’s place in history fluctuated from saint to shrew with many historians ignoring the obstacles she faced and overcame. The archaeological record sheds light on some of the strategies Mary used to … Continue reading Appearance is Everything: Mary Washington and Her Specialized Ceramics of Gentility – Some Seriously Fancy Dishes!
We Really Dig History!: 2020 Excavation at Ferry Farm
After a delay of five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, archaeological excavations in the Washington house work yard at George Washington’s Ferry Farm got underway in mid-August and finished on October 30. Despite the cancellation of a planned spring field school with archaeological students from the University of South Florida, a crew of four … Continue reading We Really Dig History!: 2020 Excavation at Ferry Farm
How to Do Archaeology During a Pandemic
Like so many of you, in the middle of March this year, nearly all employees of George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore began working from home and did not return to our offices for two and a half months. We expected a lengthy time away and, as such, prepared as best we could for … Continue reading How to Do Archaeology During a Pandemic
When a Spoon is More Than a Spoon: The Initialed Teaspoon of Betty Washington
One of the most exciting and important discoveries archaeologists have made at Ferry Farm is a pewter teaspoon baring the initials B.W. It belonged to Betty Washington. This spoon was part of a set that trained her to oversee the extremely important tea ceremony. Serving tea in the 18th century was more than an act … Continue reading When a Spoon is More Than a Spoon: The Initialed Teaspoon of Betty Washington
More Than Meets the Eye: What Their Portraits Say About the Lewis Family
On walls of the Historic Kenmore’s drawing room hang two large portraits of a man and a woman. The man is an older gentleman in a serene outdoor setting, looking quite dignified and sober in a brownish knee-length jacket, knee breeches and long waistcoat. His eyes rest on the portrait viewer, one hand on moss-covered … Continue reading More Than Meets the Eye: What Their Portraits Say About the Lewis Family
You can also read the original blog post with a few more details here.
[Infographic] Ten Pivotal Moments of George Washington’s Boyhood
General Likability: Eisenhower and Washington
Left - Dwight D. Eisenhower on horseback in his later years. Credit: Eisenhower National Historic Site | Right - George Washington receiving the salute on the field at Trenton (1899) by John Faed. Credit: Public Domain. “Who did I think I was, running against George Washington?” - Adlai Stevenson, 1952 [1] This future president was … Continue reading General Likability: Eisenhower and Washington
Billy at the Door
In our ongoing series of investigations into the lives of Historic Kenmore’s enslaved community during the Lewis era, we recently uncovered another full identity behind what was once just a name. Once again, close examination of long-forgotten documents and analysis of hidden clues revealed this man’s story, and in a rare turn of events, gave … Continue reading Billy at the Door
“I have the honor to be, your obedient servant”: Why Did Washington End His Letters this Way?
How many times have you watched Hamilton? It’s okay, I’ve lost count too. In my most recent viewing, when Burr and Hamilton each proudly proclaim their letter-ending valedictions in the song “Your Obedient Servant”, I began thinking “Where exactly did this phrase come from, why did they use it, and how did it fall out … Continue reading “I have the honor to be, your obedient servant”: Why Did Washington End His Letters this Way?
True or False? Test Your Knowledge of Mary Washington
Mary Washington Monument in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Credit: Beth Hosier/The George Washington Foundation True or False? Mary Washington had a set of false teeth like her son George?FALSE - Mary did not have a famous set of dentures like her son George. All of Mary’s children lived to adulthood?FALSE - Mary and Augustine Washington had six … Continue reading True or False? Test Your Knowledge of Mary Washington
Lives & Legacies 