Thanksgiving is next week, and families and friends across the United States will gather again to celebrate the past year's blessings. Days for giving thanks have been proclaimed throughout history for many reasons – most often to celebrate a bountiful summer or fall harvest, the end of a war, or even the beginning of a … Continue reading What’s on your Thanksgiving table?
Washington family
Bane of the Washingtons: Deaths in the Next Generation and Amongst the Enslaved
Welcome back to our 3-Part Blog charting tuberculosis (TB) in the extended Washington Family. If you are new to this series, Part I examined how the disease works, charted its history and explained standard courses of treatments in the 1700s. Part II looked at victims from George’s generation, including his brothers Lawrence and Samuel and … Continue reading Bane of the Washingtons: Deaths in the Next Generation and Amongst the Enslaved
Bane of the Washingtons Part II: The Deaths of Lawrence, Fielding, and Samuel
Welcome back to our 3-Part Blog charting tuberculosis in the extended Washington Family. If you are new to this series, Part I examined how the disease works, charted its history, and explained standard courses of treatments in the 1700s. You can find the blog here, and we encourage a review of the “Treatment” section. In … Continue reading Bane of the Washingtons Part II: The Deaths of Lawrence, Fielding, and Samuel
Bane of the Washington Family Part I: The Disease
Epidemics and pandemics loom large in history. Few have not heard of the Black Death or Spanish Flu, and Covid-19 still affects our lives. Short, two to three-year outbreaks of these diseases kill quickly and in staggering numbers, but what about the diseases that have stuck around throughout history and brought about death in a … Continue reading Bane of the Washington Family Part I: The Disease
Cooking up holiday treats: Gingerbread and Flip
This year at our annual Twelfth-Night celebrations, visitors could enter the kitchen for a short lecture and demonstration. The archaeology and curatorial teams gave the talks to explain two important food items that play a part in Kenmore's history and the holiday, gingerbread and flip. Our first demonstration was done by Emma Schlauder, Research Archaeologist … Continue reading Cooking up holiday treats: Gingerbread and Flip
Catherine of Braganza: How the copy of a 17th-century plate tells the story of design, consumer consumption, and the Washington Family
The concept of buying items to remember certain events or travels is commonplace today. Who goes abroad without bringing back a trinket naming the location? Is it possible to go antiquing without seeing an item that commemorates the wedding of Charles and Diana? Even the smallest item has the ability to tell a story through … Continue reading Catherine of Braganza: How the copy of a 17th-century plate tells the story of design, consumer consumption, and the Washington Family
Marbled Paper – The (Secret) Art and Function of Paint Blobs
The design of books today is an art form. Think about it. What will catch the reader's eye? What cover art will convey the theme or subject of the pages inside? If you've ever pulled an older book off a shelf, say one owned or used by George Washington (or a descendant of the family), … Continue reading Marbled Paper – The (Secret) Art and Function of Paint Blobs
Summertime Fun: Colonial June Fair
Ask someone to list traditional summertime activities, and they will probably mention picnics, family reunions, beach vacations, mountain getaways, and baseball games. Their list is likely to include going to the fair as well. The fair as a summer pastime is a long tradition and, like many American traditions, can be traced back to the … Continue reading Summertime Fun: Colonial June Fair
Camp George v. George: A Summer Camp to Travel Back to Colonial Virginia
School is out for summer…almost! Students are counting down the days until they are free from homework, but the learning does not have to stop!. The George Washington Foundation has been busy preparing fun-filled summer camps to encourage critical thinking through exploring the past. In our Camp George v. George, students will be asked, “Would … Continue reading Camp George v. George: A Summer Camp to Travel Back to Colonial Virginia
Happy Birthday, George!
We are excited to be celebrating George Washington's 290th birthday (although it's the day before his actual birth date) on President's Day! On February 22, 1732, George was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Some interesting facts are associated with his birth-date and the subsequent birthday celebrations he would have as an adult. For instance, did … Continue reading Happy Birthday, George!
Lives & Legacies 