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!
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
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
Washington Birthday Wishes
This month marks the 284th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Americans have celebrated our first president's birthday since long before it became an official national holiday in the late 1800s. In fact, early Americans even marked George's birth during his lifetime, most notably with "Birthnight Balls" that replicated the grand dances held in Britain to celebrate the monarch's birthday. In 1879, an Act … Continue reading Washington Birthday Wishes
Video: George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm
Celebrate George Washington’s 284th birthday at his boyhood home with fun activities for the whole family, including games, crafts, exhibits, the Stone Throw Challenge (weather permitting), history theater, and birthday cake! “General Washington” will attend the Birthday Celebration to talk about his youth on the farm! The video below is a preview of the celebration. … Continue reading Video: George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm
Masonic Pipe in 3D
Recently, a 3D image of a smoking pipe was added to the Virtual Curation Lab, an online project of Virginia Commonwealth University. You can view rotate, zoom, and manipulate the image by clicking the photo above or by clicking here. The smoking pipe was discovered within the fill of the main cellar of the Washington family … Continue reading Masonic Pipe in 3D
Glue: The Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Found
As an archaeologist, I am often asked “What is the coolest thing you’ve ever found?” The answer is complicated. Although I’ve unearthed 10,000 year old Paleoindian hearths, elaborate porcelains, coins, long lost jewelry, and ancient stone tools, I say that the coolest thing I’ve ever found is …. glue. This proclamation always elicits questioning looks … Continue reading Glue: The Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Found
Photos: Holiday Decorations at Ferry Farm & Kenmore
The George Washington Foundation wishes everyone a joyous holiday season! Enjoy these photos of holiday decorations created by wonderful volunteers! The George Washington Foundation Garden Guild decorated at Kenmore and the Lake Anna Garden Club decorated at Ferry Farm. There is still time to see Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm adorned for the season as … Continue reading Photos: Holiday Decorations at Ferry Farm & Kenmore
Photos: 29th Annual Gingerbread House Contest at Ferry Farm
It's a long-standing holiday tradition! Adults and children alike will enjoy the sights and smells of the festive creations displayed at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year's theme is "George Washington Slept Here" and a list of contest winners can be seen here (PDF). Visitors may vote for their favorite and this 'people's choice' winner will be … Continue reading Photos: 29th Annual Gingerbread House Contest at Ferry Farm
Photos: Fall at Ferry Farm
Scenes from a recent autumn stroll around George Washington's Ferry Farm. This semester's Fleming-Smith Scholar Courtney Kuzemchak, a student at the University of Mary Washington, captured these seasonal images. You can see photos of Ferry Farm in winter here and a video from summer here.
A ‘Link’ Between the Washingtons and William and Mary
This cuff link or ‘sleeve button’ – made in the mid 1700s – was recovered by archaeologists from George Washington’s boyhood home at Ferry Farm. It is one of the earliest examples of the Washington family’s resistance to King George III. What makes this sleeve button so interesting is the man depicted: King William III, … Continue reading A ‘Link’ Between the Washingtons and William and Mary
Lives & Legacies 