George Washington’s Ferry Farm

Glass Tablewares of the Washington Household

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As work continues on the reconstructed Washington family home at Ferry Farm, we archaeologists are continuing to identify items that were owned by the Washingtons so we can eventually fill the reconstructed house with plates, bowls, glasses, and many other objects based on artifacts we’ve discovered.  Our latest mending project towards this goal involves glass … Continue reading Glass Tablewares of the Washington Household

Photos: Grandparent-Grandchild Archaeology Day Camp

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During spring break last week, George Washington's Ferry Farm hosted to Grandparent-Grandchild Archaeology Camp. Campers, young and old, got a crash course on the entire archaeology process at Ferry Farm and the importance of archaeology to history. From recording information and digging up artifacts to a behind-the-scenes lab tour and creating an artifact diorama, campers … Continue reading Photos: Grandparent-Grandchild Archaeology Day Camp

Building George’s House: Why Red? How We Picked the Paint

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A few weeks ago at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, painters finished painting the exterior of the Washington house.  They used a red color known as “Spanish brown.” The paint is linseed oil-based and actually behaves more like a stain.  Modern oil-based paint can, in a way, be thought of as a plastic that laying atop … Continue reading Building George’s House: Why Red? How We Picked the Paint

Photos: Building George’s House – Painting the Exterior

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Painters recently finished painting the exterior of the Washington house at Ferry Farm.  The house was painted a red color common to the 18th century and known as “Spanish brown.”  The paint was linseed oil-based just as it would have been in the 1700s.  We'll have a more detailed blog post in a few weeks explaining … Continue reading Photos: Building George’s House – Painting the Exterior

Video: Furnishing George’s House – Painting the Corner Cupboard

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Over the last week on Lives & Legacies, we've been talking a lot about the Washington house corner cupboard!  We're obviously excited because not only is the cupboard beautiful and a beautifully-made piece but because it also represents a shift from building the structure of the Washington house itself to an increased focus on the … Continue reading Video: Furnishing George’s House – Painting the Corner Cupboard

Furnishing George’s House: The Corner Cupboard

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As construction of the Washington house at Ferry Farm continues, our attention is turning to the furnishings of the house.  Our goal is to furnish the house entirely with reproductions of 18th century pieces, so that our visitors can fully interact with them, without fear of damage to an irreplaceable piece.  Guests will be able … Continue reading Furnishing George’s House: The Corner Cupboard

Video: Building George’s House – The Corner Cupboard

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In this video, we learn from Curator Meghan Budinger about how we will furnish the Washington house reconstruction, we see a corner cupboard for the house being built, and talk with Master Joiner Ted Boscana from Colonial Williamsburg about making the cupboard. Learn more about the Washington House here and view other videos, photos, and … Continue reading Video: Building George’s House – The Corner Cupboard