In this video, we do some experimental archaeology and try four different techniques used to preserve fresh uncooked eggs before the advent of refrigeration. You can also read about meat preservation techniques prior to the invention of refrigeration here.
Daily Life in the 1700s
How the Enlightenment Transformed Cats into Pets
We look at our cats today as the furriest, purriest companions known to humankind. But most cats in colonial America worked for their status as the designated house cat. It wasn’t all lazy days trying to squeeze into the smallest box possible or snoozing in that tiny sliver of sunlight on the living room floor. … Continue reading How the Enlightenment Transformed Cats into Pets
When Washington Wanted to Know the Weather
Winter is coming. For the next three months or so, we face cold temperatures, blustery winds, chilly rains, occasional snow and ice storms, and regular frosts. Living in the 21st century, accurate foreknowledge of unpleasant or dangerous weather is available at our fingertips. It was decidedly different in the 18th century. Just like we are … Continue reading When Washington Wanted to Know the Weather
Video – The Colonial Kitchen: Making Switchel
In this video, we make switchel, a summertime beverage popular in the 1700s. Its ingredients contain a lot of potassium which replenishes the body's electrolytes. Learn more about switchel and other methods used to say cool in the 18th century on this blog post.
“The heat is beyond your conception:” Staying Cool in 18th-Century Virginia
“You must be hot in that. I don’t know how colonial people wore such things.” “I am a little hot, yes. It is hot out today. Aren’t you hot in what you’re wearing? “I’m sweating buckets.” “That’s funny, because I’m not.” I have a variation of this conversation every time I’m in 18th-century dress. Modern … Continue reading “The heat is beyond your conception:” Staying Cool in 18th-Century Virginia
How the Enlightenment Transformed Dogs into Pets
I like many people in America have a dog. His name is Edward. Edward is a large black lab who sheds everywhere, snores like a grown man, and has a borderline obsession with socks. He is my best friend and has been my constant companion for nine years. I consider him a member of my … Continue reading How the Enlightenment Transformed Dogs into Pets
Good Clean Fun: An Experiment in Colonial Soap Making
George Washington’s Ferry Farm is busy reconstructing the Washington House and, behind the scenes, we are equally busy creating educational and interpretive activities to take place inside and outside the house. One common colonial chore you may eventually see being done outside the house is laundry. While doing laundry is still part of our routines, … Continue reading Good Clean Fun: An Experiment in Colonial Soap Making
“A time to be born… a time to plant”: Timing Labor in the Washington Family
Recently I was contemplating Augustine and Mary Washington’s family bible. Like many families at the time, the Washingtons recorded the births of their children on their bible’s end pages. As I casually perused the handwritten notes that I had read so many times, I discovered something that I had never noticed before: each of Mother … Continue reading “A time to be born… a time to plant”: Timing Labor in the Washington Family
Election Day in the 1700s
It’s Election Day! From early morning until after dark, voters in Virginia and across the United States are walking into libraries, schools, firehouses, community centers, city halls and, occasionally, even private homes. Once inside, they are given a paper ballot, punch card or, although still relatively rare, may be directed to a touch screen. The … Continue reading Election Day in the 1700s
A Reflection on Lighting in the 18th Century
In today’s electrically-lit world, we have very little notion of exactly how dark it can be in a house without any artificial light at all. In fact, our modern eyes have become so accustomed to bright lighting at all hours of the day and night, that we would probably have an even harder time adjusting … Continue reading A Reflection on Lighting in the 18th Century
Lives & Legacies 