18th century clothing

“The heat is beyond your conception:” Staying Cool in 18th-Century Virginia

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“You must be hot in that. I don’t know how colonial people wore such things.” “I am a little hot, yes. It is hot out today. Aren’t you hot in what you’re wearing? “I’m sweating buckets.” “That’s funny, because I’m not.” I have a variation of this conversation every time I’m in 18th-century dress.  Modern … Continue reading “The heat is beyond your conception:” Staying Cool in 18th-Century Virginia

Dressing the Past: Costuming Challenges at Ferry Farm & Kenmore

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We have been working tirelessly to improve the accuracy of the costumes that actors and staff wear when performing for or interacting with the public at Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm. This is no easy task, but it improves the visitor experience and helps them better understand the Washington and the Lewis families … Continue reading Dressing the Past: Costuming Challenges at Ferry Farm & Kenmore

Good Clean Fun: An Experiment in Colonial Soap Making

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George Washington’s Ferry Farm is busy reconstructing the Washington House and, behind the scenes, we are equally busy creating educational and interpretive activities to take place inside and outside the house.  One common colonial chore you may eventually see being done outside the house is laundry.  While doing laundry is still part of our routines, … Continue reading Good Clean Fun: An Experiment in Colonial Soap Making

Ten Rarely-Displayed Objects from Kenmore’s Collection

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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

Paste Gems: It’s the Real Thing (Almost!)

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The majority of what crosses my desk everyday as I catalog artifacts are items that would be difficult, if not impossible, to ascribe to any one person who lived on the land we call Ferry Farm. Architectural debris (brick, mortar, plaster, nails), food remains (oyster shell, animal and fish bones, eggshells (!)), broken household objects … Continue reading Paste Gems: It’s the Real Thing (Almost!)