When visitors come to George Washington’s Ferry Farm, they can stand in what were once the fields of the Washington family’s farm, where they grew tobacco and other crops. While living here, Augustine Washington, George’s father, taught his sons – George, Samuel, John Augustine, and Charles – to see opportunity in land. Growing up at … Continue reading George’s First Job
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
Ferry Farm’s Bird Life: An Update
Between September 2017 and February 2019, the Fredericksburg Birding Club (FBC) conducted 12 bird surveys at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. We did three in spring, one in summer, three in fall, and five in winter. During that time, we saw 78 of the 136 species listed in the “Checklist of Birds at Ferry Farm” pamphlet … Continue reading Ferry Farm’s Bird Life: An Update
All About Mary’s New “Old” Desk
Another new piece of furniture has arrived at the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! Introducing the “Old Desk,” as listed in the "Parlour" on Augustine Washington’s 1743 probate inventory. This desk was copied from an original piece in the collections of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation that dates to ca. 1710-1730, making it one … Continue reading All About Mary’s New “Old” Desk
I Cannot Tell a Lie But I Can Tell a Fable: Aesop’s Fables and the Cherry Tree Tale
If you’ve been to Historic Kenmore, you’ve likely been awestruck at the beauty of the plaster ceilings throughout the first floor. Although the identity of “The Stucco Man” is lost to history, he left behind a lesson above the fireplace in the Dining Room. The plaster work inlay there depicts several stories from Aesop’s fables, … Continue reading I Cannot Tell a Lie But I Can Tell a Fable: Aesop’s Fables and the Cherry Tree Tale
George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm 2019 [Photos]
Presidents’ Day is always a celebratory one at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! Once again this year, George’s boyhood home marked his 287th birthday this past Monday, February 18. A special thank you to the sponsor of the George Washington's Birthday at Ferry Farm event: Peoples Community Bank.
The Decked Halls of George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore [Photos]
Happy Holidays! George Washington's Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore are closed today for Christmas Eve and tomorrow for Christmas Day. Both houses will reopen for tours for five more days this year before closing on New Year's Eve and beginning their annual two-month closure during the months of January and February. If you are unable … Continue reading The Decked Halls of George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore [Photos]
Making 18th Century Glass & Ceramic Replicas [Video]
Our Archaeology team reveals how they are creating replica 18th century glass and ceramic objects that visitors may touch during tours of the Washington house replica at Ferry Farm. Learn more about the Washington house replica here.
All About Sugar Cones
In a post several months ago, we discussed a piece of furniture listed in Augustine Washington’s 1743 probate inventory that gave us some interesting insight into the daily life of the Washington family – the sugar box. Recently, our reproduction sugar box arrived and is now on display in the Parlor, just as the probate … Continue reading All About Sugar Cones
Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme: A Different Kind of Holiday Decorating
Over the years, we’ve often discussed how colonial-era Christmas celebrations and decorations were different from our own modern-day versions (read here, here, here, here, and here). Each year, throughout the month of December at Historic Kenmore, we depict the Twelfth Night festivities possibly enjoyed by the Lewis family because, in the 1700s, the main holiday … Continue reading Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme: A Different Kind of Holiday Decorating
32nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
It’s the 32nd year of a a long-standing holiday tradition: the Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year’s theme is “Cartoon Adventures.” Adults and children alike will enjoy the sights and smells of these festive creations displayed at Ferry Farm! Ferry Farm’s hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 … Continue reading 32nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
Lives & Legacies 