But seriously…. World Toilet Day – today, November 19 – is kind of a big deal, considering the vast numbers of people across the globe who do not have access to indoor plumbing. According to the United Nations, 3.6 billion people in the world today do not have a toilet that is “not shared with … Continue reading What’s the Scoop on the Poop?: Going to the Bathroom at Ferry Farm
grossology
Colonial Grossology [Video]
Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more can seem disgusting. When confronted with gross practices, our first reaction can be to dismiss our ancestors as primitive, ignorant, or just silly. Before such judgments, however, we should try to understand the reasons behind these practices and recognize that our own … Continue reading Colonial Grossology [Video]
Ear Spoons, Ear Wax, and Their Uses
Editor’s Note: Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more sometimes look, at the very least, bizarre, if not outright disgusting. When confronted with these weird or gross practices, our first reaction can be to dismiss our ancestors as primitive, ignorant, or just silly. Before such judgments, however, we should try … Continue reading Ear Spoons, Ear Wax, and Their Uses
Lecture – The Social Role of Garbage in Colonial Virginia [Video]
On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Dave Muraca, Director of Archaeology at The George Washington Foundation, presented "The Social Role of Garbage in Colonial Virginia," the final talk in this year's annual lecture series. Dave presented three case studies in 18th century garbage disposal at George Washington's Ferry Farm, Colonial Williamsburg, and Historic Kenmore. Thanks to … Continue reading Lecture – The Social Role of Garbage in Colonial Virginia [Video]
Lives & Legacies 