On July 22, 1942, Annie Fleming Smith wrote a letter. Smith was a prolific letter writer—her innumerable missives had helped raise the funds that saved Kenmore two decades earlier—so it is not surprising that she put pen to paper on that summer day. What is surprising is that the intended recipient of that letter was … Continue reading Kenmore Goes to Sea: Ship Naming in the US Navy
American Revolution
“To Bigotry, No Sanction…:” Jewish Identity in Early America and Relations to Washington
Figure 1: Washington’s words to the Newport congregation (George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom) The quote, “To Bigotry, No Sanction, To Persecution No Assistance” appears in a 1790 letter written by George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, RI (Fig 1). Of all the words Washington committed to paper, these rank amongst the most … Continue reading “To Bigotry, No Sanction…:” Jewish Identity in Early America and Relations to Washington
“The Spirit of ’76”: Lafayette’s Visits Fredericksburg on His American Tour
In 1824, the United States was approaching its national jubilee—50 years of independence. President James Monroe, looking to create a wave of patriotism and celebration, invited the last surviving General of the American Revolutionary War, an American hero and icon, to take a grand tour of the country revitalizing the “spirit of 1776.” That American … Continue reading “The Spirit of ’76”: Lafayette’s Visits Fredericksburg on His American Tour
Spilling the Tea: The Boston Tea Party at 250
Author’s Note: This blog contains hyperlinks to primary documents related to the event. Figure 1: 250th Logo (Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum) Intro This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party (Figure 1). Hailed as a defining moment in the quest for American independence and an act of patriotism, the event has … Continue reading Spilling the Tea: The Boston Tea Party at 250
Liberty vs. The King: National Identities in Two Lewis Family Drinking Vessels
Visitors to Kenmore’s Drawing Room may have noticed an unusual pairing of glassware and ceramic pieces displayed on the gaming table - a beautiful, air-twist stem wine glass sitting next to a Westerwald pottery jug. At first glance, this small vignette may simply appear to depict a wine jug at the ready, waiting to fill … Continue reading Liberty vs. The King: National Identities in Two Lewis Family Drinking Vessels
“Rakes of Mallow/Yankee Doodle” by Colonial Faire [Video]
Colonial Faire, an 18th century music group, recently performed at Historic Kenmore. In this video, they play a medley of "Rakes of Mallow" and "Yankee Doodle." Read about the history behind "Yankee Doodle" in this blog post. https://youtu.be/C3dJb9d9dqI
Washington and the Culper Spy Ring
At George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we largely focus on George’s youth but also eagerly research and learn as much as we can about all periods of his life. During our unexpected closure due to COVID-19, some of our interpretive staff had the chance to study a little more about Washington and the Culper Spy Ring … Continue reading Washington and the Culper Spy Ring
Josiah Wedgwood: Man of Pottery and Principles
The 18th century was dominated by the ideas of the Enlightenment which gave rise to a range of principles like liberty, equality, constitutional government, and free enterprise. It was a revolution in thought led not by politicians and soldiers, but by a handful of thinkers, scientists, artisans, and merchants. Josiah Wedgwood was a thinker, scientist, … Continue reading Josiah Wedgwood: Man of Pottery and Principles
Siblings Strained by Revolution: George and Betty’s Wartime Letters
George Washington was the oldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s five children. The next oldest was daughter Betty, who was born 14 months after George and was his only sister. George and Betty are immensely important to us at George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore. They spent their formative years at Ferry Farm and … Continue reading Siblings Strained by Revolution: George and Betty’s Wartime Letters
Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day General Order
Saint Patrick’s Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who was born in England and lived during the 5th century. Early in life, he was kidnapped, sold into slavery, and ended up living in Ireland. He is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity, as illustrated in the legendary tale that says he … Continue reading Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day General Order
Lives & Legacies 