In this video, we discuss the importance of using archival glue to mend artifacts and demonstrate the process used to make this special glue. For information about the safe use of these chemicals, visit http://www.collectioncare.org/MSDS/b72MSDS.pdf
Drinking Vessels and Their Drinks
The goal of studying archaeological artifacts and, indeed, the goal of studying history more broadly is to understand the people who lived in the past both in the small moments and in the times of monumental change. Something as ordinary as the beverages people drank and the objects from which they drank reveal what life … Continue reading Drinking Vessels and Their Drinks
Apple Cedar Rust: What on Earth is It and Why Does It Matter?
Sometimes nature can be stranger than fiction. At George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we are currently experiencing such a phenomenon: Apple Cedar Rust. Hideous in appearance, yet strangely fascinating, this fungus erupts on our cedar trees every few years when temperature and moisture are just right. It’s a monstrous growth with bright orange tentacles. Like some … Continue reading Apple Cedar Rust: What on Earth is It and Why Does It Matter?
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – ‘Vesselization’
In this video, we show you how archaeologists piece together artifacts in order to learn about the object and, most importantly, the people who used the object.
“With Double Its Weight of Vermin”: Bugs in George’s Bed
“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
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
Lives & Legacies 