The story of Mary Ball Washington is one of overcoming a lifetime of adversity. Often overshadowed by her larger than life son George, Mary’s place in history fluctuated from saint to shrew with many historians ignoring the obstacles she faced and overcame. The archaeological record sheds light on some of the strategies Mary used to … Continue reading Appearance is Everything: Mary Washington and Her Specialized Ceramics of Gentility – Some Seriously Fancy Dishes!
white salt-glazed stoneware
Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 2 – White Salt-Glaze and Westerwald Stonewares
Today, we continue our look at the different ceramics displayed or soon to be displayed in the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. We’re examining the artifacts recovered at Ferry Farm, the complete 18th century objects those artifacts represent, and the reproduction pieces inspired by these artifact sherds as well as by the complete … Continue reading Artifact, Object, Repro: Part 2 – White Salt-Glaze and Westerwald Stonewares
The Fly …uh, Snail… in the Ointment …Pot
It’s flu season again. And for most of us who get sick that means a trip to the doctor, perhaps some prescribed medicines, and lots of rest. But what did George Washington do when he got sick? Although most of us likely think of our first president as perpetually healthy and strong, he was actually … Continue reading The Fly …uh, Snail… in the Ointment …Pot
Tales of a Patch Stand and a Porringer
For the past year or so my focus here at George Washington’s Ferry Farm has been determining what types of ceramics were owned by the Washington family. Once we have this information we want to acquire accurate examples to place in the reconstructed house for all to see. From door hardware to teacups, most of … Continue reading Tales of a Patch Stand and a Porringer
Inside the Archaeology Lab: Putting Artifacts on Exhibit
Here on Lives & Legacies we’ve shown you a variety of important tasks that take place inside the Archaeology Lab at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. You’ve seen how we wash, catalog, label, and then mend vessels with archival glue. One goal of all this work is to piece together whole artifacts from the many broken … Continue reading Inside the Archaeology Lab: Putting Artifacts on Exhibit
Fine and Fashionable Fruit Dishes
Fruit! It’s good for you, delicious, and often beautiful - but have you ever thought of fruit as a status symbol? In today’s world of relatively quick, inexpensive long-distance transportation, we enjoy fresh fruit from all over the world year-round. We generally take this ability for granted. In the eighteenth century, however, if you or … Continue reading Fine and Fashionable Fruit Dishes
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