Kenmore Collections

Probate inventory George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation's collection of primary documents provides an important insight into the lives of the families associated with Kenmore and Ferry Farm.

Betty Washington Lewis' probate inventory, acquired in 2004, lists not only her personal possessions at the time of her death but, when compared to her husband Fielding Lewis' probate inventory of 14 years earlier, reveals the changes in her circumstances after his death.

Section from Howard passport cover showing his name.
Howard Passport CoverThe passport of William Key Howard, who purchased Kenmore in 1881, gives a physical description of him as a young man, a provides an indication of his social status and education.

Documents also provide an important link to the archaeology of the sites and enable better interpretation of some of the artifacts in the collection, bringing a history and life to what would otherwise be merely inanimate objects.