If you visit George Washington's Ferry Farm this December, you'll be greeted by the sweet smell of spiced gingerbread as soon as you walk through the door! During our annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit, our gallery space is transformed into a showroom with entries reflecting this year's theme: "architectural wonders of the world." Unlike … Continue reading A Short and Sweet History of the Gingerbread House
Christmas
Making Eggnog
Eggnog is a staple drink during the holiday season. Historians debate the exact ancestry of eggnog but most agree that it originated from early medieval “posset”, a hot, milky, ale-like drink. Eventually, expensive and rare ingredients like eggs, sherry, brandy and Madeira were added and the drink became the trademark of the upper class. During … Continue reading Making Eggnog
Making Ribband Jelly & Blancmange
As Christmastime approaches again, it’s time to focus attention on two more forgotten favorites from the 18th century dessert table: ribband jelly and blancmange. Ribband Jelly Our first dessert is a simple Ribband Jelly that descends from an ancient dessert called white leach.[1] A white leach was a milk jelly flavored with rosewater and colored … Continue reading Making Ribband Jelly & Blancmange
33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
It’s the 33rd year of a a long-standing holiday tradition: the Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year’s theme is “Holiday Songs.” Winners Level 1: Age 2-5 First Place Ribbon ~ “Let it Snow” by Samantha Wainwright Level 3: Age 11-14 First Place Ribbon ~ “Melekalikimaka” by Daniel Jackson & … Continue reading 33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm [Photos]
6th Annual “A Wee Christmas at Kenmore” [Photos]
Visit Kenmore this holiday season for an exhibit of highly detailed, replica dollhouses – including the mansion – and miniatures in the Crowninshield Museum Building. Share memories of your dollhouse with your family as you explore life in miniature! Put your mind and eye to the test with our “I Spy Miniatures” challenge – fun … Continue reading 6th Annual “A Wee Christmas at Kenmore” [Photos]
Gingerbread House Construction Workshop & A Wee Christmas Workshop [Photos]
On Saturday, November 19, George Washington's Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore both presented their annual holiday workshops devoted to teaching attendees either how to build a gingerbread house or to create a holiday themed "room box." Here are some photos from both workshops... These two workshops are presented in preparation for Ferry Farm's annual Gingerbread … Continue reading Gingerbread House Construction Workshop & A Wee Christmas Workshop [Photos]
“Twelfth Night at Historic Kenmore” 2019 [Photos]
Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends. … Continue reading “Twelfth Night at Historic Kenmore” 2019 [Photos]
Coming Soon! “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” [Photos]
On Friday, January 11, Saturday, January 12, and Sunday, January 13, Historic Kenmore will again present Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation set in 1776. This production depicts the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration … Continue reading Coming Soon! “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” [Photos]
The Decked Halls of George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore [Photos]
Happy Holidays! George Washington's Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore are closed today for Christmas Eve and tomorrow for Christmas Day. Both houses will reopen for tours for five more days this year before closing on New Year's Eve and beginning their annual two-month closure during the months of January and February. If you are unable … Continue reading The Decked Halls of George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore [Photos]
Making Syllabub
The holiday season has arrived at Historic Kenmore, bringing with it our annual display in the house of colonial wintry traditions from greenery to lovely desserts. Two years ago, I explored the mysterious origin of Betty Lewis’s hedgehog cake and even made a pretty passable replica. This year, there is another dessert on our table … Continue reading Making Syllabub
Lives & Legacies 