by gwffoundation | Jul 3, 2026 | 20th century, Archives, Developing America, Holiday History, Lives & Legacies
The George Washington Foundation has been abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday of our United States! In all this excitement I thought it would be a compelling trip down memory lane to uncover how the nation celebrated July 4th...
by gwffoundation | Nov 15, 2023 | Archaeology, Daily Life in the 1700s, Developing America, Holiday History, Lives & Legacies, Washington family
Thanksgiving is next week, and families and friends across the United States will gather again to celebrate the past year’s blessings. Days for giving thanks have been proclaimed throughout history for many reasons – most often to celebrate a bountiful...
by gwffoundation | Dec 14, 2022 | George Washington's Ferry Farm, Holiday History, Lives & Legacies
If you visit George Washington’s Ferry Farm this December, you’ll be greeted by the sweet smell of spiced gingerbread as soon as you walk through the door! During our annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit, our gallery space is transformed into a...
by gwffoundation | Jan 6, 2022 | Daily Life in the 1700s, Historic Kenmore, Holiday History, Lives & Legacies, Washington family
Usually, at this time of year preparations are well underway for our annual Twelfth Night at Kenmore: A Dramatic Performance. The play takes place in January 1776, during the first Christmas season celebrated at Kenmore. Unfortunately, this year’s celebration of...
by gwffoundation | Dec 23, 2020 | Holiday History, Lives & Legacies
Eggnog is a staple drink during the holiday season. Historians debate the exact ancestry of eggnog but most agree that it originated from early medieval “posset”, a hot, milky, ale-like drink. Eventually, expensive and rare ingredients like eggs, sherry, brandy...
by gwffoundation | Mar 17, 2020 | American Revolution, George Washington, Holiday History, Lives & Legacies
Saint Patrick’s Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who was born in England and lived during the 5th century. Early in life, he was kidnapped, sold into slavery, and ended up living in Ireland. He is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity,...