We excavate hundreds of artifacts every day during the field season at George Washington's Ferry Farm and occasionally one or two really stand out. For me, the most interesting artifacts uncovered during the past few years are fragments of a Bartmann Jug. The combination of an animated human face and fascinating symbolism makes this particular … Continue reading Bartmann Bottle: The Coolest Thing We’ve Ever Found
Archaeology
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Mending with Archival Glue
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
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.
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
These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Archaeologists are somewhat unique in their appreciation for all things broken, mostly due to the coveted information discarded items can tell us about those who died long ago. However, occasionally a fragment is unearthed which is both informative and beautiful. Such is the case with a lovely cobalt blue decanter stopper excavated on the grounds … Continue reading These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Video: UV Light in Museums
Ultraviolet light is an important and useful tool within the museum world. In this video, we show you how archaeologists and curators use UV light in their work with artifacts and historic objects.
Photos: It’s Spring. Let’s Dig!
Last week, another archaeological excavation season began at George Washington's Ferry Farm. Here are some scenes from the first week of digging. On weekdays, see Ferry Farm’s archaeologists working at the excavation site from now through late-June or, if you can't visit before June, spend a day on the dig site by watching the video below. … Continue reading Photos: It’s Spring. Let’s Dig!
Between the Lines: Teasing out Tame’s Story
In this day and age, it is easy to discover the particulars of someone’s life simply with the click of a button. Phone number, age, home address, professional resume and more can easily be obtained by searching through public records on the Internet or at the library. A treasure trove of current primary and secondary … Continue reading Between the Lines: Teasing out Tame’s Story
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Labeling Artifacts
Archaeologists spend much more of their time working to determine the significance of an object than actually finding the object through excavation. This analytical work is done in an archaeology lab, where t is vital to keep the artifacts organized. This video shows how artifacts are labeled to help make sure nothing gets lost. Learn … Continue reading Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Labeling Artifacts
Sweet-Toothed Colonials & Their Chocolate
Ahhh Chocolate! Now is the time of year when we consume even more than usual, often from heart-shaped boxes gifted by an admirer. Probably one of the most universally loved foods, the average American consumes roughly 11 pounds of the stuff a year! It is hard to imagine a world without chocolate and this love … Continue reading Sweet-Toothed Colonials & Their Chocolate
Lives & Legacies 