George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation

Needlework Contest and Exhibit

May 9-17, 2008

This always fascinating exhibit is celebrating its 21st year at Historic Kenmore. Stitchers from around the region will show pieces created with different needlework techniques, and textile items from the Kenmore collection will be on display. Be sure to vote for the Peoples’ Choice favorite. There will also be some needlework items by the Stitchery Guild for sale.

Exhibit Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Admission: $5 adults / $4 children, 6-17 / under 6 free
No discounts apply and this fee does not include a house tour.
Where: Historic Kenmore, Fleming-Smith Room
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Two Miles — Two Wars

Memorial Day Weekend Events

May 24 & 25, 2008

Separated by just two miles, Historic Kenmore and Washington's Ferry Farm were scenes of activity in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. This weekend, become a time traveler and divide your day between two centuries as you discover how both wars transformed the lives of civilians and soldiers.

George Washington's Ferry Farm

Saturday, May 24 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Saturday, see what camp life was like for the men of the 1st Virginia, Company H, Cavalry. Watch the men and horses perform various drills. Observe and take part in recruiting, drilling, and skirmishes. Talk to the women of the era and get a glimpse into their lives. Watch and learn as they demonstrate the lost art of tatting. There will also be demonstrations of quilting, ribbon-making, and 19th-century cooking. View a collection of original and reproduction clothing from this era.

On Sunday, visit with the soldiers and women as they break camp.

General admission fees apply.Combination tickets to both sites are available.

Historic Kenmore

Saturday, May 24 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Revolutionary War soldier The year is 1781 and Lord Cornwallis could be marching on Fredericksburg. Feel the tension mount as the day unfolds. Experience the anguish and stress of preparing to leave Kenmore. In the Chamber, the women agonize over having to leave their home and fret over what to leave behind and what to take. The Dining Room has become a command post as couriers scurry in and out with updates on Cornwallis. Sentries guard the gates of Kenmore, trying to prevent a possible kidnapping of one of George Washington's family members. In the kitchen, servants cook food for the trip and worry over which of them might have to stay behind—there won't be room for everyone. Will life among the Loyalists be for the better or worse?

And, on the lawns at Kenmore, have a picnic, learn and play colonial games, practice militia drilling, and enjoy colonial music.

General admission fees apply. Combination tickets to both sites are available.

BIRDING TOURS AT GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FERRY FARM

Birding tours will take place again this season at Washington’s Ferry Farm. These fun and informative tours are for anyone interested in our feathered friends and their local habitats. The beautiful grounds and wooded paths at Ferry Farm are the perfect setting for viewing birds and listening to their songs. Paul Nasca, a staff archaeologist and resident member of the Fredericksburg Birding Club, will lead the tours and help identify birds seen from among the 115 species that call Ferry Farm home (or at least vacation spot).

Appropriate ages: 12 and over

Location: Washington’s Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Highway (Rt. 3), Stafford County (meet in parking lot)
Dates: Saturdays May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11 (watch website for any last minutes changes)
Times: 8 a.m.
Fees: $5.00 per person (cash and checks only please)

In the event of rain the tour will be canceled with no makeup date.

History Camp

June 23 - 27, 2008
9 a.m. till noon daily

for ages 8-12

Ever wonder what George Washington did for fun as a kid? Want to know about blood-sucking leeches or how to tell the age of a piece of pottery? Find out at a different kind of summer camp. Held at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Historic Kenmore, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House, and Rising Sun Tavern

To register contact Vickie Hayes at 540-370-0732 ext. 24 or hayes@gwffoundation.org

Sponsored by APVA and George Washington’s Fredericksburg Foundation

The Kenmore Stitchery Guild

Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month
10 a.m. to 12 Noon in the Fleming-Smith Room at Historic Kenmore
Open to all ages and experience levels

For more details, call Jessica Carter at 540-370-0732 or send an email to carter@gwffoundation.org