This coming weekend -- Friday, January 8, Saturday, January 9, or Sunday, January 10 -- Historic Kenmore again presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation set in January 1776. It is the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual celebration, however. War brings fear, doubt, … Continue reading Photos: Last Year’s “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”
Holidays
Video: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore,” A Preview
On January 8, 9, and 10, Historic Kenmore presents "Twelfth Night at Kenmore," a dramatic theater performance inside the 18th century home of Fielding and Betty Lewis. This short video previews the performance. Immerse yourself in the experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas! Performance Times: 3:00, 3:45, 4:45 and 5:30 p.m. Reservations … Continue reading Video: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore,” A Preview
Photos: Holiday Decorations at Ferry Farm & Kenmore
The George Washington Foundation wishes everyone a joyous holiday season! Enjoy these photos of holiday decorations created by wonderful volunteers! The George Washington Foundation Garden Guild decorated at Kenmore and the Lake Anna Garden Club decorated at Ferry Farm. There is still time to see Historic Kenmore and George Washington's Ferry Farm adorned for the season as … Continue reading Photos: Holiday Decorations at Ferry Farm & Kenmore
A Christmas of Uncertainty, December 1775
When Fielding Lewis moved his family into their new home – the magnificent brick house we call Kenmore – in late 1775 it was the culmination of years of hard work and planning. It might seem as though that year’s holiday season should have been one of continual joy. Unfortunately, the Lewis family’s first Christmas … Continue reading A Christmas of Uncertainty, December 1775
Photos: 2nd Annual “A Wee Christmas” at Kenmore
For the second year, Historic Kenmore presents "A Wee Christmas," an exhibit for the holiday season of highly detailed, replica dollhouses - including the Kenmore mansion - and miniatures in the Crowninshield Museum Building. Come to Kenmore and share memories of your dollhouse with children and grandchildren as you explore the treasures in this festive … Continue reading Photos: 2nd Annual “A Wee Christmas” at Kenmore
Photos: 29th Annual Gingerbread House Contest at Ferry Farm
It's a long-standing holiday tradition! Adults and children alike will enjoy the sights and smells of the festive creations displayed at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This year's theme is "George Washington Slept Here" and a list of contest winners can be seen here (PDF). Visitors may vote for their favorite and this 'people's choice' winner will be … Continue reading Photos: 29th Annual Gingerbread House Contest at Ferry Farm
Tallio! Fox Hunting at Christmas
Although Fielding Lewis certainly built a home capable of hosting the elaborate Christmas celebrations popular in 18th century Virginia, Historic Kenmore probably never saw occasions on such a lavish scale, with the possible exception of the family’s first Christmas in the house in December 1775. If the family hosted the traditional Christmas celebration, Fielding and … Continue reading Tallio! Fox Hunting at Christmas
Thanksgiving in George Washington’s Virginia?
As thanksgiving approaches we turn our thoughts to tradition, family, and feast. Thanksgiving traditions call to mind family around a table full of food, a roast turkey with cranberry sauce, or maybe even a romanticized recreation of New England meal from the 17th century. But what is the history behind that tradition? What would people … Continue reading Thanksgiving in George Washington’s Virginia?
Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”
Today - January 6 - marks the end of Christmas or, at least, it did two centuries ago. If we lived in the days of George Washington, Betty Washington Lewis, and Fielding Lewis and moved within their social circle, we would all be preparing for the grandest celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which began … Continue reading Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”
Historical Holiday Cheer
In the colonial-era, the Christmas season lasted into January and concluded on Twelfth Night, a festive evening to mark the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and celebrated much like our New Year’s Eve is today. While the entire period featured frequent banquets and balls with much food and spirits, Twelfth Night was especially … Continue reading Historical Holiday Cheer
Lives & Legacies 