As more of reproduction furnishings for the Washington house get underway, I thought I might address one of the more notable characteristics of the pieces: their feet. Anyone familiar with antique furniture has noticed the sometimes rather odd appearance of foot shapes at the end of table and chair legs. We have a variety of … Continue reading Why Were There Weird Animal Feet on 18th Century Furniture?
Historic House Museums
Video – Historic Kenmore: An Aerial View
Aerial footage shot and edited by Joe Brooks of EagleOne Aerial Photography. To learn more about Historic Kenmore and plan a visit, click here.
Video – Building George’s House: Oyster Slaking
In this video, stone and brick mason Ray Cannetti and his crew turn burnt oyster shells from last summer's lime rick burn into powdered lime to use in mortar in the reconstructed Washington house chimneys. Learn more about the Washington House here and view other videos, photos, and blog posts about the project at here.
Getting “Judgy” With Colonial Revival Ceramics
Previously on Lives and Legacies, curator Meghan Budinger laid out a wonderful summary of the Colonial Revival movement. At no point did she weigh-in with her opinion of Colonial Revival and she should be applauded for her diplomacy. To be honest, though, many historians, material culture specialists, and decorative arts enthusiasts (among others) can get … Continue reading Getting “Judgy” With Colonial Revival Ceramics
Just What is Colonial Revival?
You’ve probably heard the phrase “colonial revival” before. Most people think of it as an architectural style –what they mean when they say “a colonial style house.” In actuality, the phrase refers to a whole cultural movement in the United States that had its beginnings in the late 19th century and that still exists today. … Continue reading Just What is Colonial Revival?
Furnishing George’s House: What Exactly is That? Curatorial Conundrums in the Washington House – Part 2: Sugar Box
After lengthy research and an occasional head-scratcher, the furnishings plan for the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm is finished! Reproduction furnishings are now being made. The probate inventory made after Augustine Washington’s death in 1743 guided us in determining the furnishings for the house, but because it was written over 270 years ago … Continue reading Furnishing George’s House: What Exactly is That? Curatorial Conundrums in the Washington House – Part 2: Sugar Box
Video – Building George’s House: Blacksmith Peter Ross
In this episode, we join blacksmith Peter Ross in his shop in North Carolina as he forges a thumb latch for the Washington house at Ferry Farm. Learn more about the Washington House here and view other videos, photos, and blog posts about the project here.
Furnishing George’s House: What Exactly is That? Curatorial Conundrums in the Washington House – Part 1: Scrutoire
The furnishings plan for the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm is done, and the reproduction furnishings are being made. Whew! It was a long process, filled with lengthy research and sometimes a few head-scratchers. Augustine Washington’s 1743 probate inventory was our guiding document in determining the furnishings for the house, but because it … Continue reading Furnishing George’s House: What Exactly is That? Curatorial Conundrums in the Washington House – Part 1: Scrutoire
Photos: Building George’s House – North Chimney
Brickmasons Ray Cannetti, Robert Hall, and Kevin Nieto recently finished building the second of three chimneys for the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. Located on the house’s north side and made from hand molded brick by the Old Carolina Brick Company, this chimney includes two fireplaces. One fireplace each on the first and second … Continue reading Photos: Building George’s House – North Chimney
Video: Building George’s House – Flooring
In this video, we see the flooring in the Washington house being installed and talk with Project Manager John Jeanes about the flooring materials and installation process. Learn more about the Washington House here and view other videos, photos, and blog posts about the project here.
Lives & Legacies 