Historic Kenmore & George Washington's Ferry Farm
In 1922, an energetic and far-sighted group of people led by Mrs. Vivian Minor Fleming, rallied the resources to purchase Kenmore, the Fredericksburg house completed in 1775 by George Washington’s sister Betty and her husband, Colonel Fielding Lewis. Launching the campaign to save Kenmore, then Vice President Calvin Coolidge said, “It ought to be preserved for its own sake. It must be preserved for patriotic America.â€
In 1996 the Kenmore Association, as it was then known, saved another Washington landmark, Ferry Farm, from commercial development. This Stafford County farm where young George grew to manhood is a pastoral piece of property along the Rappahannock River where wildlife abounds and where the earth yields up an abundance of archaeological evidence of its previous residents. At this point in its history, the Association changed its name to George Washington’s Fredericksburg Foundation to reflect its growing stewardship. Also during this time, the Foundation acquired Augustine Washington’s ironworks at Accokeek Furnace in Stafford County.
In 2008, the Foundation changed its name to The George Washington Foundation.
The mission of The George Washington Foundation is to enhance the public understanding and appreciation of the lives, values, and legacies of George Washington, Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, and their families.
The George Washington Foundation is a privately held, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Foundation relies on support from its generous donors and volunteers for its ongoing programs.
For any questions about the Foundation please contact:
Director of Marketing and Communication
Paula Raudenbush
(540) 373-3381 x54
Washington's Ferry Farm
268 Kings Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Phone: (540) 370-0732
FAX: (540) 371-3398
mailroom@kenmore.org
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: (540) 373-3381
FAX: (540) 371-6066
mailroom@kenmore.org
