With hindsight, the events of history often seem inevitable. America was destined for independence from Britain. All colonists were patriots who saw themselves as a nation and a people separate from the mother country. This was absolutely not the case. Colonists’ views on the appropriateness of independence evolved with events. Over time, British identity gave … Continue reading LiberTEA
American Revolution
Introducing Caty: More Than “Merry Laugh…and Lively Wit”
Editor’s Note: At George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we are always interested in reexaminations of accepted history. Archaeology is creating new and more complete understandings of George’s Washington’s youth as well as of Mary Washington as a person. Mary has been both revered and reviled by history but archaeological discoveries at Ferry Farm are painting a … Continue reading Introducing Caty: More Than “Merry Laugh…and Lively Wit”
Hessians and History: Learning Something New Every Day
As an historian, one of the many things I find rewarding is constantly learning. I truly learn something new every day. It's exciting. Many people might find this curious since to them history perhaps seems stale, unchanging, and boring. In reality, history is incredibly dynamic. Things historians thought we knew with certainty for years can … Continue reading Hessians and History: Learning Something New Every Day
Washington, Smallpox, and the Fight for Independence
Living in Colonial America, disease and illness were defining challenges and perpetual threats of human existence. At the time, there was no concept of infection or germ-theory, no vaccines, no really effective treatments for infectious disease and few public health measures that could reliably curb epidemics.[1] For colonial Americans, it was not a matter of … Continue reading Washington, Smallpox, and the Fight for Independence
Henry Mitchell, A Loyalist’s Sacrifice
Editor's Note: This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Historic Kenmore presents its annual production of Twelfth Night at Kenmore (click for event details). This dramatic theatre presentation imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to … Continue reading Henry Mitchell, A Loyalist’s Sacrifice
Lives & Legacies 