Editor's Note: This Memorial Day, we again remember 'The Monuments Men' and their invaluable work to locate and save European art looted by the Nazis during World War II as well as their continued efforts to conserve and preserve art after the war, including art at Historic Kenmore. This post originally appeared on Lives & Legacies … Continue reading The ‘Monuments Men’ of World War II Come to Kenmore
Historic Kenmore
To See or Not to See? Portraying Hamlet in the 18th Century
Editor's Note: At the annual Shakespeare on the Lawn performances this June, Historic Kenmore will present Hamlet. The following blog post looks at the actors who played the most famous of Shakespeare's roles during the 18th century. Details about attending the performances at Kenmore can be found at the end of this entry. Since the time when Richard Burbage … Continue reading To See or Not to See? Portraying Hamlet in the 18th Century
Keeping Secrets, 18th Century Style
In today’s world we keep our valuables, like money, important documents, jewelry, etc. locked safely in a bank vault or safety deposit box. These options for safe-keeping of valuables were not available in 18th century America, and so our ancestors had to be a bit more creative in hiding their important items from would-be thieves … Continue reading Keeping Secrets, 18th Century Style
Drinking Vessels and Their Drinks
The goal of studying archaeological artifacts and, indeed, the goal of studying history more broadly is to understand the people who lived in the past both in the small moments and in the times of monumental change. Something as ordinary as the beverages people drank and the objects from which they drank reveal what life … Continue reading Drinking Vessels and Their Drinks
Shakespeare Day in Virginia!
Governor Terry McAuliffe has proclaimed today - Saturday, April 23, 2016 - as Shakespeare Day in Virginia! While we're planning and preparing Shakespeare on the Lawn in June, our first-ever Shakespeare Camp in July, and Shakespeare by Candlelight in August as Historic Kenmore's contributions to this year's many commemorations across the Commonwealth, we want to take a moment on this … Continue reading Shakespeare Day in Virginia!
Restoring Kenmore’s Gardens
While the various restorations of Kenmore itself over the years are usually the star attraction for visitors to the site, there was another restoration, equally as important, that occurred on the property in its early years as a museum. Kenmore’s gardens are well-known for their beauty now, but when the Kenmore Association acquired the property … Continue reading Restoring Kenmore’s Gardens
Video: Arbor Day Celebration
Each year, Historic Kenmore is the site of the Arbor Day Celebration for the City of Fredericksburg. This video shares sights and sounds from this year's celebration held on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Archaeologists are somewhat unique in their appreciation for all things broken, mostly due to the coveted information discarded items can tell us about those who died long ago. However, occasionally a fragment is unearthed which is both informative and beautiful. Such is the case with a lovely cobalt blue decanter stopper excavated on the grounds … Continue reading These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Photos: Posh Pots and Decadent Dishes
New specialty tours at Historic Kenmore provide opportunities for guests to explore a deeper understanding of Kenmore by focusing on the topics that make us uniquely Kenmore. One such tour, "Posh Pots and Decadent Dishes: The Lewis Family Life through their Ceramics," explores how everyday objects can teach us about how families lived. In the 18th … Continue reading Photos: Posh Pots and Decadent Dishes
Payment Tokens… Of a Different Kind
During excavations around and under Kenmore’s 19th century portico in the early 2000s, archaeologists discovered several small metal disks. Some disks were significantly corroded but a few still showed markings clearly. They were stamped with the words “Braxton Mason & Co” as well as “1 day” and on another disk “5”. The disks had oval-shaped … Continue reading Payment Tokens… Of a Different Kind
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