One of the aspects of a historian’s job is dealing with primary sources, the paper trail of history. The archives here at The George Washington Foundation contain primary sources that include letters, wills, land grants, court orders, military orders, bills and receipts. These hand-written documents are largely related to the Fielding and Betty Lewis family … Continue reading History’s Paper Trail: What Handwriting & Spelling Reveal about Early America
Historic Kenmore
Celebrate!
A quick post today because everyone here at The George Washington Foundation are busily preparing for The Fourth of July at Ferry Farm this Saturday! Still, we did have a bit of time to take a quick look through the archives for some images of celebrations in Fredericksburg's past. First, we share a few 90-year-old … Continue reading Celebrate!
‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day – Part 2
King Lear is known far and wide as William Shakespeare’s finest tragedy but it has not always been the preferred version of the story. In part one, we saw how Shakespeare popularized the old story of King Lear by crafting a story aimed directly at Elizabethan audiences experiencing great political upheaval. In part two, we … Continue reading ‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day – Part 2
Photos: “King Lear” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare on the Lawn
Shakespeare on the Lawn returned to Historic Kenmore this past weekend with the first two performances of King Lear. Below are photos from the shows. Don't worry if you missed this past weekend's performances because there are two more shows this coming Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. For event details, visit http://kenmore.org/events.html.
Meet the Lewis Family: Lawrence Lewis
Lawrence Lewis was born on April 4, 1767, the ninth child of Fielding and Betty Lewis and nephew of George Washington. His birth was noted by Fielding in the Lewis family bible, “Our Ninth a Son named Lawrence born the 4th of April 1767. Mr. Chas Washington & Mr. Francis Thornton Godfather & Mrs. Mary … Continue reading Meet the Lewis Family: Lawrence Lewis
‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day: Part 1
Once again this summer, Historic Kenmore looks forward to its annual Shakespeare on the Lawn performances. While settings and costumes may change, today’s Shakespeare audiences most usually witness performances that remain true to the artistry of an unchallenged master carefully crafting his words and stories for the Elizabethan age. Two centuries ago, however, colonial-era theatregoers like … Continue reading ‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day: Part 1
Coming Soon! William Shakespeare’s “King Lear”
Shakespeare on the Lawn at Kenmore returns this June with four performances of the popular drama, King Lear, performed by The Fredericksburg Players and directed by Fred Franklin. King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s most heart-breaking tragedies—the story of a father who puts his faith in his two treacherous, elder daughters while casting out his … Continue reading Coming Soon! William Shakespeare’s “King Lear”
Photos: Our Urban Nature at Historic Kenmore
Nature shaped the lives of English colonists and enslaved Africans living and working at Kenmore Plantation 200 years ago. Over centuries, humans changed Kenmore’s natural world from a plantation setting into an urban green space. Yet, nature remains just outside the door. This past Saturday at Historic Kenmore, visitors had a chance to explore humans' … Continue reading Photos: Our Urban Nature at Historic Kenmore
Dining Room vs. Dining Room
Several months ago, Historic Kenmore concluded the refurnishing effort in the Dining Room. After painstaking research and scientific investigation, that room has been returned to a state that would be immensely familiar to Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. It might look somewhat unfamiliar, however, to later occupants of Kenmore. The first picture below was taken sometime … Continue reading Dining Room vs. Dining Room
“They gave me grog…and put me to sleep with opium pills”: Kenmore as a Civil War Hospital
As the sesquicentennial of the Civil War draws to a close, we are remembering the war at Kenmore, and its aftermath. Although Kenmore is best known as a house of the colonial period, it had quite a history during the Civil War. Visitors to Kenmore have long heard that the house survived bombardment during the … Continue reading “They gave me grog…and put me to sleep with opium pills”: Kenmore as a Civil War Hospital
Lives & Legacies 