Sunday, Jan. 4 was National Trivia Day, so we here at Making History thought it would be appropriate for the first Fun Fact of 2015 to contain a bit of trivia. How many can you guess correctly?
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Video: Get Fit the Colonial Way
Looking for new ways to get in shape in the new year? Let our own Robert Prentis give you some tips to sculpt those arms and shape those legs.
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Did You Know Colonial Williamsburg is Pet Friendly?
The holiday season in the Revolutionary City is one of my favorites times of the year. But it’s also a time when many people avoid traveling because they don’t want to leave their pets behind. With Christmas right around the corner, I’m going to show you why Williamsburg is an excellent vacation choice for both you and your fur-legged friends!…
Hot Chocolate to Help a Cold?
Today, we know there are more than 200 viruses that cause the common cold. But in the 1700s, sudden changes in temperature were thought to be the reason people got sick. When it was cold outside, you would try to keep from “catching cold” by walking quickly. That’s not the only difference between 18th century and 21st century views on prevention and treatment. Wait until you hear what supposedly cured symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and fever!…
A Modern Twist on 18th-century Chocolate
Talk about a sweet assignment! Last week, we got to sit in on a culinary demonstration inside our Taste Studio with Head Pastry Chef Rodney Diehl as he showed us how to whip up delicious chocolate ganache, crème brûlée, mousse, and our famous Colonial Williamsburg hot chocolate. They may be modern recipes but each was inspired by an ingredient that’s been around for more than 250 years. (Stay tuned for the recipes, below!)…
Fun Fact: George Washington’s Teeth Were Made of What?
It’s widely known George Washington was plagued with dental problems and wore dentures. One of the biggest misconceptions about his teeth is they were made of wood. According to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the myth likely began when his dentures containing ivory became stained, “giving them a grained, wooden appearance that misled later observers.” …
Meet Our Colonial Kitties
Do you know what October 29th is? Yes, it’s two days before Halloween, but more importantly—it’s National Cat Day! What a perfect opportunity to introduce you to four very special kitties: Eleanor, Sir Thomas Grey, Molly, and Shilling. A special thanks to our Facebook fan, Fred Blystone, who shared all of the amazing pictures in this blog. He perfectly captured our felines giving quite a bit of “cattitude.”…
The Haunted Tale of an 18th-century Love Affair
The George Wythe House is one of the 88 original buildings in the Historic Area. Not only is it one of the oldest, if you believe in ghost tales, it’s also reportedly one of the most haunted. …
Gingerbread Cookies: Raleigh Tavern Recipe
Have you ever noticed how certain aromas enter your nose—then waft down to the deepest nooks and crannies of your soul? They can unlock memories you didn’t even realize were buried there. Simply put: specific smells and tastes take us to our “happy place.” And that’s exactly where I ended up when we stepped into the kitchen at the Williamsburg Lodge for a private baking lesson….
Ale for What Ails You!
During the 1700s, in Colonial America, every hour was happy hour. And it didn’t matter your age, gender or status. Most people drank beer, ale, and cider all day long—with breakfast, lunch and dinner….