Revolutionary War

Josiah Wedgwood: Man of Pottery and Principles

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The 18th century was dominated by the ideas of the Enlightenment which gave rise to a range of principles like liberty, equality, constitutional government, and free enterprise.  It was a revolution in thought led not by politicians and soldiers, but by a handful of thinkers, scientists, artisans, and merchants. Josiah Wedgwood was a thinker, scientist, … Continue reading Josiah Wedgwood: Man of Pottery and Principles

Siblings Strained by Revolution: George and Betty’s Wartime Letters

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George Washington was the oldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s five children. The next oldest was daughter Betty, who was born 14 months after George and was his only sister.  George and Betty are immensely important to us at George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore. They spent their formative years at Ferry Farm and … Continue reading Siblings Strained by Revolution: George and Betty’s Wartime Letters

LiberTEA

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With hindsight, the events of history often seem inevitable.  America was destined for independence from Britain.  All colonists were patriots who saw themselves as a nation and a people separate from the mother country.  This was absolutely not the case.  Colonists’ views on the appropriateness of independence evolved with events.  Over time, British identity gave … Continue reading LiberTEA

Washington, Smallpox, and the Fight for Independence

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Living in Colonial America, disease and illness were defining challenges and perpetual threats of human existence.   At the time, there was no concept of infection or germ-theory, no vaccines, no really effective treatments for infectious disease and few public health measures that could reliably curb epidemics.[1]  For colonial Americans, it was not a matter of … Continue reading Washington, Smallpox, and the Fight for Independence

Three Military Adventures that Inspired George Washington

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“I heard Bulletts whistle and believe me there was something charming in the sound.”[1]  -- George Washington Before his first brush with battle, three military adventures worked together to charm and inspire young George Washington’s fascination with the military and helped push him to pursue a career as a soldier in Virginia’s militia and then as … Continue reading Three Military Adventures that Inspired George Washington

Henry Mitchell, A Loyalist’s Sacrifice

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Editor's Note: This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Historic Kenmore presents its annual production of Twelfth Night at Kenmore (click for event details). This dramatic theatre presentation imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to … Continue reading Henry Mitchell, A Loyalist’s Sacrifice