Ferry Farm’s Bird Life: An Update

by gwffoundation | Mar 6, 2019 | George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies, Natural History

Between September 2017 and February 2019, the Fredericksburg Birding Club (FBC) conducted 12 bird surveys at George Washington’s Ferry Farm.  We did three in spring, one in summer, three in fall, and five in winter.  During that time, we saw 78 of the 136 species...

All About Mary’s New “Old” Desk

by gwffoundation | Feb 27, 2019 | George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies, The Rooms at Ferry Farm

Another new piece of furniture has arrived at the Washington house at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! Introducing the “Old Desk,” as listed in the “Parlour” on Augustine Washington’s 1743 probate inventory.  This desk was copied from an original piece in...

I Cannot Tell a Lie But I Can Tell a Fable: Aesop’s Fables and the Cherry Tree Tale

by gwffoundation | Feb 21, 2019 | George Washington's Ferry Farm, Historic Kenmore, Lives & Legacies

If you’ve been to Historic Kenmore, you’ve likely been awestruck at the beauty of the plaster ceilings throughout the first floor. Although the identity of “The Stucco Man” is lost to history, he left behind a lesson above the fireplace in the Dining Room. The plaster...

George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm 2019 [Photos]

by gwffoundation | Feb 19, 2019 | George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies

Presidents’ Day is always a celebratory one at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! Once again this year, George’s boyhood home marked his 287th birthday this past Monday, February 18. A special thank you to the sponsor of the George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry...

“Ya Basic”: Washington and “The Bread and Butter Ball”

by gwffoundation | Feb 14, 2019 | George Washington, Lives & Legacies

It was in February 1760 that George and Martha attended a ball that fell short of his expectations. As he somewhat whimsically recorded in his diary, the tables lacked linen, beverages were watered down, and the food offered compared to basic prison fare. In today’s...

The Hazards of Winter in Washington’s Day

by gwffoundation | Jan 31, 2019 | Daily Life in the 1700s, Lives & Legacies, Natural History

Many people find winter miserable. It can be hard dealing with freezing temperatures, inclement weather, and long nights.  With much of the nation experiencing record-breaking cold and windchills today and the current temperature at George Washington’s Ferry...