As a Historic Preservation major at the University of Mary Washington, I spend a lot of time studying objects from the past. Through my courses, I have learned that common, everyday objects are often able to reflect the values of the people that created and used them. I kept this in mind during my internship … Continue reading Put A Lid On it: Mason Jars and Home Canning in America
archaeology
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!
Behind the Glass of the Archaeology Lab: Creating an Exhibit
It can be daunting to look at a blank space and realize you are in charge of filling it. And not just filling it, you need to create something that will leave a lasting impression on the public. The process of creating an exhibit is much more complicated than it seems. From the initial idea … Continue reading Behind the Glass of the Archaeology Lab: Creating an Exhibit
Dig These Dishes! We Recreate an 18th Century Table Setting Using Only Artifacts.
On a typical day at George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm, visitors experiencing the house tour are ushered into the main hall upon which a dining table is set out before them with 18th-century reproductions of plates, glassware, wine bottles, and serving dishes. This setting creates an interactive experience for our visitors, transporting them … Continue reading Dig These Dishes! We Recreate an 18th Century Table Setting Using Only Artifacts.
The Archaeological Process [Infographic]
Spot the Differences: Tools of the Trade
The end of the 2020 dig season at George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm last October required we tidy up of all our tools used during the excavation. We cleaned and stored away the multiple shovels, trowels, and wheel barrels used at the site and hauled the sifting screens back to the shed. We … Continue reading Spot the Differences: Tools of the Trade
How to Do Archaeology During a Pandemic
Like so many of you, in the middle of March this year, nearly all employees of George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore began working from home and did not return to our offices for two and a half months. We expected a lengthy time away and, as such, prepared as best we could for … Continue reading How to Do Archaeology During a Pandemic
We’re Digging!: A Preview of This Year’s Archaeology Excavation at Ferry Farm
It’s that time of year again! Actually, it’s past that time of year but better late than never! The annual summer archaeological dig at George Washington’s Ferry Farm – delayed like so many other things by the COVID-19 pandemic – has finally begun! Ferry Farm’s summer archaeological excavation has become a fall dig too as … Continue reading We’re Digging!: A Preview of This Year’s Archaeology Excavation at Ferry Farm
The Unlikely Curator: What a Rodent’s Nest Reveals about Historic Kenmore
Rodents are usually seen as one of a museum’s greatest enemies. They damage valuable artifacts and buildings, leave a mess wherever they go, and frighten unsuspecting visitors. Like most museums, Historic Kenmore does its best to make sure no pests make their home in the 18th century plantation house. But, before it became a museum … Continue reading The Unlikely Curator: What a Rodent’s Nest Reveals about Historic Kenmore
An Unlikely Curator: Inside a Historic Rodent’s Nest [Video]
In this video, we pick apart a rodent's nest discovered by archaeologists investigating Historic Kenmore’s walls and floors for architectural artifacts. Like most museums, we take extensive pest prevention measures today but, back when it was an actual home, Kenmore was not always rodent-free. This nest revealed some fascinating history and told us a bit … Continue reading An Unlikely Curator: Inside a Historic Rodent’s Nest [Video]
Lives & Legacies 