At the beginning of our 2022 dig, we were working with the assumption that a colonial-era building was located at the edge of our excavation site at Ferry Farm, the Boyhood Home of George Washington. At the southeastern edge of the work yard, four post-holes had been found and excavated during previous projects. All were … Continue reading Wrap Up of 2022 Dig!
Building George’s House
The Seven Easy Pieces of Furniture – Episode 2: Blanket Chest [Video]
In this video, Fredericksburg, Virginia-based furniture maker Steve Dietrich discusses two of the techniques he used to create a blanket chest for the reconstructed Washington house at Ferry Farm. Watch other videos and read more about rebuilding the Washington house here.
The Furniture Makers: Tom Snyder and Astrid Smith [Video]
In this video, we visit with Tom Snyder and Astrid Smith of Williamsburg Art Conservation to see how they upholstered the leather bottom chairs in the hall of the Washington house replica. Watch other videos and read more about rebuilding the Washington house here.
Our Best Guess about Mary Washington’s Best Bed
In July, we were very excited to see the culmination of at least a year’s worth of research and work when the “best bed” was installed in the Hall Back Room (the master bedchamber) of the Washington House. Between its imposing size (it nearly touches the ceiling) and it’s bright blue bed curtains in a … Continue reading Our Best Guess about Mary Washington’s Best Bed
The Furniture Makers: Harrison Higgins [Video]
The replica Washington house is open at George Washington's Ferry Farm but furnishing is still ongoing. We traveled to Richmond to visit furniture maker Harrison Higgins and he told us about the furniture that he and his crew have made for the Washington house. Watch other videos and read more about rebuilding the Washington house … Continue reading The Furniture Makers: Harrison Higgins [Video]
Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 3 – Imari & Famille Rose Porcelain
Today, we revisit the Chinese Export Porcelain (CEP) reproduction ceramics now displayed or to be displayed in the future in the Washington house replica at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. We’re examining the artifacts recovered at Ferry Farm, the complete 18th century objects those artifacts represent, and the reproduction pieces inspired by these artifact sherds as … Continue reading Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 3 – Imari & Famille Rose Porcelain
Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 2 – White Salt-Glaze and Westerwald Stonewares
Today, we continue our look at the different ceramics displayed or soon to be displayed in the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. We’re examining the artifacts recovered at Ferry Farm, the complete 18th century objects those artifacts represent, and the reproduction pieces inspired by these artifact sherds as well as by the complete … Continue reading Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 2 – White Salt-Glaze and Westerwald Stonewares
Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 1 – Blue & White Chinese Export Porcelain
As you may recall from past posts (here and here) about our hunt for reproduction ceramics and glassware to use in the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, and taking a page from the Colonial Revival playbook, our sources have been varied and surprising – junk shops, flea markets, TV show props liquidation sales, … Continue reading Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 1 – Blue & White Chinese Export Porcelain
Washington House at Ferry Farm [Photos]
The Washington house at Ferry Farm is now open for tours! Using information from the probate inventory and archaeological evidence, the interpretive replica of George Washington’s boyhood home is currently being furnished with replica furniture and ceramics. You can read an in-depth post about the house here and below you will find photos that provide … Continue reading Washington House at Ferry Farm [Photos]
Washington House at Ferry Farm Now Open for Tours
The Washington house at Ferry Farm is now open for tours. The interpretive replica of George Washington’s boyhood home is an interactive and hands-on experience for all ages, where visitors can experience what life was like in the eighteenth century. Using information from the probate inventory and archaeological evidence, the Washington house is currently being … Continue reading Washington House at Ferry Farm Now Open for Tours
Lives & Legacies 