In this video, curator Meghan Budinger updates us on the latest arrivals in the final steps of furnishing the Washington house replica at George Washington's Ferry Farm and of re-furnishing Historic Kenmore. https://youtu.be/4Dqb6jE9SVA
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
Five International Influences on George Washington’s Early Life
An Essay of a New and Compact Map, Containing the Known Parts of the Terrestrial Globe by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin was published in 1750 when George Washington was 18-years-old. Credit: Wikipedia. Ferry Farm was a unique place to live in the mid-1700s. Situated where farm, frontier, city, river, and road converged on the edge of English … Continue reading Five International Influences on George Washington’s Early Life
Appearance is Everything: Mary Washington and Her Specialized Ceramics of Gentility – Some Seriously Fancy Dishes!
The story of Mary Ball Washington is one of overcoming a lifetime of adversity. Often overshadowed by her larger than life son George, Mary’s place in history fluctuated from saint to shrew with many historians ignoring the obstacles she faced and overcame. The archaeological record sheds light on some of the strategies Mary used to … Continue reading Appearance is Everything: Mary Washington and Her Specialized Ceramics of Gentility – Some Seriously Fancy Dishes!
We Really Dig History!: 2020 Excavation at Ferry Farm
After a delay of five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, archaeological excavations in the Washington house work yard at George Washington’s Ferry Farm got underway in mid-August and finished on October 30. Despite the cancellation of a planned spring field school with archaeological students from the University of South Florida, a crew of four … Continue reading We Really Dig History!: 2020 Excavation at Ferry Farm
When a Spoon is More Than a Spoon: The Initialed Teaspoon of Betty Washington
One of the most exciting and important discoveries archaeologists have made at Ferry Farm is a pewter teaspoon baring the initials B.W. It belonged to Betty Washington. This spoon was part of a set that trained her to oversee the extremely important tea ceremony. Serving tea in the 18th century was more than an act … Continue reading When a Spoon is More Than a Spoon: The Initialed Teaspoon of Betty Washington
We’re Digging!: A Preview of This Year’s Archaeology Excavation at Ferry Farm
It’s that time of year again! Actually, it’s past that time of year but better late than never! The annual summer archaeological dig at George Washington’s Ferry Farm – delayed like so many other things by the COVID-19 pandemic – has finally begun! Ferry Farm’s summer archaeological excavation has become a fall dig too as … Continue reading We’re Digging!: A Preview of This Year’s Archaeology Excavation at Ferry Farm
The Seven Easy Pieces of Furniture – Episode 3: Blanket Chest Lid [Video]
In this final video of this series, Fredericksburg, Virginia-based furniture maker Steve Dietrich demonstrates the methods he used to make the lid for a blanket chest in the reconstructed Washington house at Ferry Farm. Watch other videos and read more about rebuilding the Washington house here.
Bad Medicines: Mercury and Self-Medication in the Civil War
During the Civil War, George Washington’s Ferry Farm was the site of Union Army encampments that included some defensive works like a trench dug into the crest of the ridge overlooking the river. In that trench and throughout Ferry Farm’s landscape, Union soldiers lost and threw away a wide array of military gear and personal … Continue reading Bad Medicines: Mercury and Self-Medication in the Civil War
Bad Medicines: Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup
It’s hard to believe that there was once a time when products weren’t covered in labels listing all their ingredients in great detail. We are used to labels promising the absence of unhealthy chemicals. We are accustomed to labels warning when a product was packaged in the same facility as an allergen. Product safety is … Continue reading Bad Medicines: Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup
33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
It’s the 33rd year of a a long-standing holiday tradition: the Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year’s theme is “Holiday Songs.” Winners Level 1: Age 2-5 First Place Ribbon ~ “Let it Snow” by Samantha Wainwright Level 3: Age 11-14 First Place Ribbon ~ “Melekalikimaka” by Daniel Jackson & … Continue reading 33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
Lives & Legacies 