We have reached the best time of the year. The summer heat has broken, the leaves are crispy, and the best holiday, Halloween, is coming up quickly. We all know Halloween was not celebrated in Colonial America, but that doesn’t mean we can’t incorporate a bit of Colonial America into Halloween. To celebrate, I have … Continue reading Colonial Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Celebrations
“The Spirit of ’76”: Lafayette’s Visits Fredericksburg on His American Tour
In 1824, the United States was approaching its national jubilee—50 years of independence. President James Monroe, looking to create a wave of patriotism and celebration, invited the last surviving General of the American Revolutionary War, an American hero and icon, to take a grand tour of the country revitalizing the “spirit of 1776.” That American … Continue reading “The Spirit of ’76”: Lafayette’s Visits Fredericksburg on His American Tour
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Not every president gets their birthday celebrated every year with a federal holiday, but George Washington, a favorite of his countrymen and the first president, has had that privilege since 1879. But one year was a little different from the others: 1932. It marked Washington’s 200th birthday, and the United States was going to make … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
What’s on your Thanksgiving table?
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?
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
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
1925 Dedication Day: A (Block) Party from the Past
Spring is a busy time of year for historic house museums, as we see an influx of school groups, vacationers, and families taking advantage of the beautiful weather. This spring is an especially exciting year at Historic Kenmore since we are preparing to celebrate our centennial anniversary! As discussed in our previous blog post, it … Continue reading 1925 Dedication Day: A (Block) Party from the Past
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!
What in the World is Twelfth Night?: A Visit with the Ghost of Twelfth Night Past
Usually, at this time of year preparations are well underway for our annual Twelfth Night at Kenmore: A Dramatic Performance. The play takes place in January 1776, during the first Christmas season celebrated at Kenmore. Unfortunately, this year’s celebration of Twelfth Night at Kenmore is canceled due to winter weather. However, if you are familiar … Continue reading What in the World is Twelfth Night?: A Visit with the Ghost of Twelfth Night Past
“Dined at the City Tavern”
Christmas in the 18th century was celebrated quite differently than it is today. Unlike today, one of the most important (and wildest) celebrations of the season took place on January 6th, or Epiphany. Also known as Twelfth Night, this holiday is more comparable to our present-day New Year’s celebrations in style and entertainment. Our stereotypical … Continue reading “Dined at the City Tavern”
Lives & Legacies 