by gwffoundation | Oct 18, 2023 | 18th Century Crafts, Archaeology, Fashion in History, Ferry Farm, George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies, Macabre Artifacts
There’s plenty to be frightened about in the colonial period. But teapots? Not exactly. However, aesthetics change as time passes. We see things through different lenses. As I type this, my substantial black cat with big yellow eyes stares at me, demanding attention....
by gwffoundation | Oct 4, 2023 | Fashion in History, Lives & Legacies
Collections managers deal with a wide array of objects. Sometimes those objects can be quite odd and even a bit gross to the modern person. One object that has always fascinated me is mourning jewelry and the hair of the deceased that jewelry contains. Not many...
by gwffoundation | Sep 20, 2023 | Archaeology, Building George's House, George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies
It’s that time again! As we welcome Fall and the beautiful cool weather it brings, let’s take a look back at our Summer 2023 dig season here at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home. This year’s dig actually involved excavating two separate areas, designated...
by gwffoundation | Sep 11, 2023 | Archaeology, Colonial Grossology, Daily Life in the 1700s, Historic Kenmore, Lives & Legacies, Natural History
A pest is a broad term for any organism that spreads disease, causes destruction, or is generally a nuisance. In the 21st century, we still constantly battle pests from squirrels who chew through your internet cables or spiders who set up house in the high corner of...
by gwffoundation | Aug 23, 2023 | Behind the Scenes, George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies, Nature
Step onto the grounds of George Washington’s boyhood home and, notwithstanding its famous connection, there’s no mistaking the feeling of being in a special place. A National Historic Landmark, Ferry Farm stretches along the Rappahannock River across from downtown...
by gwffoundation | Jul 26, 2023 | Archaeology, Daily Life in the 1700s, Fashion in History, George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies
Whilst I costume actors, living historians, and myself from time to time in 18th century clothing, I find myself puzzled about the stark difference between the closures and attachments of ladies’ and men’s garb. I have to lace myself into my stays, tie on layers...