Fielding Lewis was married twice. He and Catharine Washington, his first wife, had three children: John, Frances and Warner. Both Warner and Frances died leaving John as the sole heir from this first marriage. After Catharine’s death, Fielding married Betty Washington, and not quite a year later Fielding Lewis Jr. was born in 1751. Although … Continue reading Meet the Lewis Family: John and Fielding Jr.
Historic Kenmore
Photos: 3rd Annual “A Wee Christmas” at Kenmore
Visit Kenmore this holiday season for an exhibit of highly detailed, replica dollhouses - including the mansion - and miniatures in the Crowninshield Museum Building. Share memories of your dollhouse with your family as you explore life in miniature! Put your mind and eye to the test with our “I Spy Miniatures” challenge – fun … Continue reading Photos: 3rd Annual “A Wee Christmas” at Kenmore
Photos: Historic Kenmore Behind-the-Scenes Tours
On rare occasions, Historic Kenmore offers special behind-the-scenes tours that take visitors into portions of the home not usually open to the public during regular tours. Additionally, Meghan Budinger, Aldrich Director of Curatorial Operations, leads the tour and shares her expert insights and knowledge into the mansion's history, furnishing, and ongoing preservation. This past weekend, visitors once … Continue reading Photos: Historic Kenmore Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Ten Well-Known Visitors to Historic Kenmore
Since its transformation into a historic site, Kenmore has drawn its share of prominent and recognizable visitors including a vice president, a congressman, and numerous First Ladies of the United States. Indeed, the ladies of the Kenmore Association, who worked to save, restore, and operate the historic home during the 20th century, made it a … Continue reading Ten Well-Known Visitors to Historic Kenmore
Ten Rarely-Displayed Objects from Kenmore’s Collection
It is impossible for museums to exhibit the thousands of objects in their collections. Historic Kenmore is no exception. While each of our objects is certainly unique and interesting, not every piece fits within our current interpretation of the life and times of the Lewis family. One reason museums might not display items is they … Continue reading Ten Rarely-Displayed Objects from Kenmore’s Collection
Video: William Key Howard, Jr. – Saving Kenmore’s Ceilings
In this video, learn about William Key Howard, Jr., who lived in Kenmore with his family in the years following the Civil War and repaired damage to the house's plaster ceilings in the first restoration of Kenmore. You can learn more about William Key Howard, Jr. and why his boat is still in the attic … Continue reading Video: William Key Howard, Jr. – Saving Kenmore’s Ceilings
The Man on the Ceiling: Neoclassical Decorating at Kenmore
As with many things at Historic Kenmore, the reasoning behind the choices Fielding and Betty Lewis made for their masterpiece of a house remain a mystery to us. Why are Aesop’s Fables the subject of the decorative plaster overmantel in the Dining Room? Why is there an old-fashioned paneled wall in the Chamber? Why did … Continue reading The Man on the Ceiling: Neoclassical Decorating at Kenmore
Photos: “The Taming of the Shrew” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare by Candlelight
This past weekend was Shakespeare by Candlelight at Historic Kenmore! William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew was presented in eighteenth-century style on the Lawn at Kenmore on Friday and Saturday nights and, because of a thunderstorm, indoors on Sunday night. Enjoy this collection of photographs from the Saturday and Sunday performances. Learn more about The … Continue reading Photos: “The Taming of the Shrew” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare by Candlelight
Video: Drawing Room Carpet
A carpet was recently installed in the Drawing Room at Historic Kenmore. In this video, Meghan Budinger, Aldrich Director of Curatorial Operations, tells us all about it. Follow The Rooms at Kenmore blog for more about the drawing room carpet and the final stages of Kenmore's refurnishing.
Photos: “Hamlet” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare on the Lawn
Shakespeare on the Lawn at Historic Kenmore returns this weekend with two more performances of Hamlet. Catch the one of the final shows at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 or Sunday, June 19. Arrive early to tour the mansion and view the refurnishing. Bring folding chairs or a blanket and a picnic! Thank you to sponsor Lewis Insurance … Continue reading Photos: “Hamlet” at Kenmore’s Shakespeare on the Lawn
Lives & Legacies 