In the 17th and 18th centuries, colonial Virginians decorated their homes for Christmas with all manner of evergreens. This greenery – holly, ivy, mistletoe, and more – were seen as symbols of everlasting life. Each year at Historic Kenmore, we also decorate the house with greenery in this tradition. Mistletoe actually adorns Kenmore year round. … Continue reading Mistletoe: More Than Christmas Kisses
Holiday History
Thirty Years of Gingerbread
It’s a long-standing holiday tradition. In fact, it’s so long-standing that this year, 2016, marks the tradition’s 30th year. What tradition is that? The annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! Since we are marking three auspicious decades for this event, we dug into the archives to present a look back … Continue reading Thirty Years of Gingerbread
“Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations”: Celebrating Independence
Writing to wife Abigail following Congress’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams famously outlined his vision for how future generations would celebrate the historic moment. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,” Adams wrote in an oft quoted passage. “It ought to … Continue reading “Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations”: Celebrating Independence
Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2016
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 … Continue reading Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2016
Photos: Last Year’s “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”
This coming weekend -- Friday, January 8, Saturday, January 9, or Sunday, January 10 -- Historic Kenmore again presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation set in January 1776. It is the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual celebration, however. War brings fear, doubt, … Continue reading Photos: Last Year’s “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”
Video: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore,” A Preview
On January 8, 9, and 10, Historic Kenmore presents "Twelfth Night at Kenmore," a dramatic theater performance inside the 18th century home of Fielding and Betty Lewis. This short video previews the performance. Immerse yourself in the experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas! Performance Times: 3:00, 3:45, 4:45 and 5:30 p.m. Reservations … Continue reading Video: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore,” A Preview
Photos: Holiday Decorations at Ferry Farm & Kenmore
The George Washington Foundation wishes everyone a joyous holiday season! Enjoy these photos of holiday decorations created by wonderful volunteers! The George Washington Foundation Garden Guild decorated at Kenmore and the Lake Anna Garden Club decorated at Ferry Farm. There is still time to see Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm adorned for the season as … Continue reading Photos: Holiday Decorations at Ferry Farm & Kenmore
A Christmas of Uncertainty, December 1775
When Fielding Lewis moved his family into their new home – the magnificent brick house we call Kenmore – in late 1775 it was the culmination of years of hard work and planning. It might seem as though that year’s holiday season should have been one of continual joy. Unfortunately, the Lewis family’s first Christmas … Continue reading A Christmas of Uncertainty, December 1775
Photos: 2nd Annual “A Wee Christmas” at Kenmore
For the second year, Historic Kenmore presents "A Wee Christmas," an exhibit for the holiday season of highly detailed, replica dollhouses - including the Kenmore mansion - and miniatures in the Crowninshield Museum Building. Come to Kenmore and share memories of your dollhouse with children and grandchildren as you explore the treasures in this festive … Continue reading Photos: 2nd Annual “A Wee Christmas” at Kenmore
Tallio! Fox Hunting at Christmas
Although Fielding Lewis certainly built a home capable of hosting the elaborate Christmas celebrations popular in 18th century Virginia, Historic Kenmore probably never saw occasions on such a lavish scale, with the possible exception of the family’s first Christmas in the house in December 1775. If the family hosted the traditional Christmas celebration, Fielding and … Continue reading Tallio! Fox Hunting at Christmas
Lives & Legacies 