One of my favorite historical objects in the collection are photographs. Not particularly for artistic reasons, but as a documentation of a moment, a time, a person, a world that no longer exists. During the Victorian era (1837-1901), there were extraordinary developments in the field of photography. In a span of forty years, photographs went … Continue reading An Image Captured: The Development of Photography through Lewis Family Descendants
historic restoration
Building George’s House: Why Red? How We Picked the Paint
A few weeks ago at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, painters finished painting the exterior of the Washington house. They used a red color known as “Spanish brown.” The paint is linseed oil-based and actually behaves more like a stain. Modern oil-based paint can, in a way, be thought of as a plastic that laying atop … Continue reading Building George’s House: Why Red? How We Picked the Paint
Photos: Building George’s House – Painting the Exterior
Painters recently finished painting the exterior of the Washington house at Ferry Farm. The house was painted a red color common to the 18th century and known as “Spanish brown.” The paint was linseed oil-based just as it would have been in the 1700s. We'll have a more detailed blog post in a few weeks explaining … Continue reading Photos: Building George’s House – Painting the Exterior
Photos: Historic Kenmore Behind-the-Scenes Tours
On rare occasions, Historic Kenmore offers special behind-the-scenes tours that take visitors into portions of the home not usually open to the public during regular tours. Additionally, Meghan Budinger, Aldrich Director of Curatorial Operations, leads the tour and shares her expert insights and knowledge into the mansion's history, furnishing, and ongoing preservation. This past weekend, visitors once … Continue reading Photos: Historic Kenmore Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Video: William Key Howard, Jr. – Saving Kenmore’s Ceilings
In this video, learn about William Key Howard, Jr., who lived in Kenmore with his family in the years following the Civil War and repaired damage to the house's plaster ceilings in the first restoration of Kenmore. You can learn more about William Key Howard, Jr. and why his boat is still in the attic … Continue reading Video: William Key Howard, Jr. – Saving Kenmore’s Ceilings
Lives & Legacies 