Historic Kenmore is known for many things; for being the home of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, for its Georgian-style brick architecture, its famous ornate decorative plaster ceilings, and, last but not least, for its beautiful gardens. Unfortunately, today only three out of Kenmore’s nearly 1300 original acres remain but with the help of The … Continue reading The Gardens of Historic Kenmore
Historic Kenmore
“Rakes of Mallow/Yankee Doodle” by Colonial Faire [Video]
Colonial Faire, an 18th century music group, recently performed at Historic Kenmore. In this video, they play a medley of "Rakes of Mallow" and "Yankee Doodle." Read about the history behind "Yankee Doodle" in this blog post. https://youtu.be/C3dJb9d9dqI
The Christmastime Escape of Stephen and Guile
“My Dear Brother, I wish you to give Howell some advice how to Proseed in regard to two Negroes that Runaway from me a few days before Christmas…” With those words in the early spring of 1794, Betty Lewis informed her brother, George Washington, of a difficult situation. She also provided us with a few … Continue reading The Christmastime Escape of Stephen and Guile
More Than Meets the Eye: What Their Portraits Say About the Lewis Family
On walls of the Historic Kenmore’s drawing room hang two large portraits of a man and a woman. The man is an older gentleman in a serene outdoor setting, looking quite dignified and sober in a brownish knee-length jacket, knee breeches and long waistcoat. His eyes rest on the portrait viewer, one hand on moss-covered … Continue reading More Than Meets the Eye: What Their Portraits Say About the Lewis Family
Billy at the Door
In our ongoing series of investigations into the lives of Historic Kenmore’s enslaved community during the Lewis era, we recently uncovered another full identity behind what was once just a name. Once again, close examination of long-forgotten documents and analysis of hidden clues revealed this man’s story, and in a rare turn of events, gave … Continue reading Billy at the Door
Charlotte and the Mercury Pills
As part of our ongoing effort to research the enslaved communities that once lived and worked at Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we recently came across some very unusual information pertaining to a young enslaved woman named Charlotte who resided at Kenmore. Charlotte, unfortunately, is a somewhat enigmatic figure. We know only a … Continue reading Charlotte and the Mercury Pills
The Unlikely Curator: What a Rodent’s Nest Reveals about Historic Kenmore
Rodents are usually seen as one of a museum’s greatest enemies. They damage valuable artifacts and buildings, leave a mess wherever they go, and frighten unsuspecting visitors. Like most museums, Historic Kenmore does its best to make sure no pests make their home in the 18th century plantation house. But, before it became a museum … Continue reading The Unlikely Curator: What a Rodent’s Nest Reveals about Historic Kenmore
An Unlikely Curator: Inside a Historic Rodent’s Nest [Video]
In this video, we pick apart a rodent's nest discovered by archaeologists investigating Historic Kenmore’s walls and floors for architectural artifacts. Like most museums, we take extensive pest prevention measures today but, back when it was an actual home, Kenmore was not always rodent-free. This nest revealed some fascinating history and told us a bit … Continue reading An Unlikely Curator: Inside a Historic Rodent’s Nest [Video]
Flowers of Kenmore [Photos]
While Historic Kenmore remains closed temporarily because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, nature's seasons move forward as normal. One of the highlights of spring in Kenmore's gardens is the first blooms of our tulips and other flowers. Since visitors cannot see the beauty of these flowers in person, we wanted to share some photos for … Continue reading Flowers of Kenmore [Photos]
The Howards of Kenmore
Many families have called Historic Kenmore "home" over its more than two centuries of existence. In late 19th century, the Howards lived in the grand brick home and one Howard in particular left an everlasting mark on the house and its history. William Key Howard, Sr. was born in Maryland in 1829 (and was related … Continue reading The Howards of Kenmore
Lives & Legacies 