Tantalizing evidence of historic furniture use exists within the soils of George Washington’s Ferry Farm and that evidence gives us a more complete view of how the Washington family lived in the 1700s. The hundreds of items archaeologists and students have uncovered represent the remains of furniture broken or embellishments lost. The ruthless outdoor elements … Continue reading Digging Up a Card Table
archaeology
Cunning Folk and Conjurors: Folk Magic in Colonial Virginia
The use of folk magic may seem foreign and exotic to many of us in the 21st century. If we look closer, though, it is apparent that some modern Americans still practice it today – even if they don’t realize it. Have you ever hunted for a four-leaf clover? Have you ever hung a horseshoe … Continue reading Cunning Folk and Conjurors: Folk Magic in Colonial Virginia
Ten Cool But Rarely-Exhibited Artifacts Found at Ferry Farm
When you enter a museum you’re surrounded by cool stuff. Be it paintings, fossils, or ancient artifacts, they’re all special items that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. But what if I told you that the cool objects you see on display in a museum are a mere fraction of what most museums actually … Continue reading Ten Cool But Rarely-Exhibited Artifacts Found at Ferry Farm
“A Silly Bauble”: Ferry Farm’s Sputnik Moment
Sputniks and mutniks, flying through the air, Sputniks and mutniks, flying everywhere, It's so ironic. Are they atomic? Those funny missiles have got me scared. -Lyrics from “Sputniks and Mutniks” by Ray Anderson and the Home Folks (1958) “Beep, Beep, Beep…” went the sinister telemetry signals from the Earth’s first artificial satellite. Launched by the … Continue reading “A Silly Bauble”: Ferry Farm’s Sputnik Moment
Paste Gems: It’s the Real Thing (Almost!)
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!)
Put That in Your Pipe and Smoke It: Tobacco & Politics in the 1700s
Colonial American. Think about that term. What does it mean to you? It refers to citizens of the American colonies prior to the Revolution. In the minds of many of us in the present-day United States, however, it might denote a unique American identity, probably because our own identities as Americans are firmly set and … Continue reading Put That in Your Pipe and Smoke It: Tobacco & Politics in the 1700s
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Mending with Archival Glue
In this video, we discuss the importance of using archival glue to mend artifacts and demonstrate the process used to make this special glue. For information about the safe use of these chemicals, visit http://www.collectioncare.org/MSDS/b72MSDS.pdf
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – ‘Vesselization’
In this video, we show you how archaeologists piece together artifacts in order to learn about the object and, most importantly, the people who used the object.
These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Archaeologists are somewhat unique in their appreciation for all things broken, mostly due to the coveted information discarded items can tell us about those who died long ago. However, occasionally a fragment is unearthed which is both informative and beautiful. Such is the case with a lovely cobalt blue decanter stopper excavated on the grounds … Continue reading These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Broken) Things: Cobalt Blue Decanter Stopper
Video: UV Light in Museums
Ultraviolet light is an important and useful tool within the museum world. In this video, we show you how archaeologists and curators use UV light in their work with artifacts and historic objects.
Lives & Legacies 