If you have visited Ferry Farm recently or follow us on social media, you may have noticed the construction of two buildings near the Washington House. These new structures represent those that stood in these spots during George Washington’s time and were constructed using 18th-century methods. Identified through archaeology, their reconstructions allow us to tell … Continue reading Expanding Ferry Farm: Preparing For The Long Winter In The Cellar House
food preservation
Put A Lid On it: Mason Jars and Home Canning in America
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
Eggsperimental Archaeology: Preserving Eggs before the Age of Refrigeration – Part 2 [Video]
In this experimental archaeology video, we reveal how well four different 18th century techniques preserved fresh uncooked eggs before the advent of refrigeration. Watch the first part. https://youtu.be/936qa541VLw
Video – Eggsperimental Archaeology: Preserving Eggs before the Age of Refrigeration, Part 1
In this video, we do some experimental archaeology and try four different techniques used to preserve fresh uncooked eggs before the advent of refrigeration. You can also read about meat preservation techniques prior to the invention of refrigeration here.
No Refrigerator? No Problem!: Preserving and Storing Meat in the 1700s
It’s easy to take our refrigerators for granted. There they sit in our kitchens quietly keeping our food safe to eat and making our lives quite easy. It may be difficult to imagine but a large percentage of time on an 18th century homestead such as George Washington’s Ferry Farm was spent preserving food for … Continue reading No Refrigerator? No Problem!: Preserving and Storing Meat in the 1700s
Lives & Legacies 