Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends. … Continue reading “Twelfth Night at Historic Kenmore” 2019 [Photos]
Holiday History
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 Syllabub
The holiday season has arrived at Historic Kenmore, bringing with it our annual display in the house of colonial wintry traditions from greenery to lovely desserts. Two years ago, I explored the mysterious origin of Betty Lewis’s hedgehog cake and even made a pretty passable replica. This year, there is another dessert on our table … Continue reading Making Syllabub
5th Annual “A Wee Christmas at Kenmore” [Photos]
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 5th Annual “A Wee Christmas at Kenmore” [Photos]
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]
Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather “Macaroni”?
In honor of the Independence Day, I want to talk about a pressing question I had as a child pertaining to one of our most popular patriotic songs "Yankee Doodle". We all know the first verse. Yankee Doodle went to town A-riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap And called it macaroni. … Continue reading Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather “Macaroni”?
Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2018
Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends. … Continue reading Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2018
When Christmas Wasn’t for Kids
Picture it. No Santa. No Christmas tree. No big-ticket Christmas present. No little Susie or Bobby up to their eyes in wrapping paper, as their parents snap a photo of every gift they unwrap. To die-hard Christmas fans today, this sounds like a nightmare. Where is the wonder and joy? Where is the standing in … Continue reading When Christmas Wasn’t for Kids
Photos: The GWF’s Delightful December
The George Washington Foundation wishes everyone a joyous holiday season! Enjoy these from our month of festive happenings and decorations at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore. There will still be time to see Kenmore and Ferry Farm adorned for the season and delight in each site’s annual display of dollhouses, miniatures, and gingerbread creations … Continue reading Photos: The GWF’s Delightful December
Lives & Legacies 