Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was found in the glass bottles discovered at George Washington's Mount Vernon home?
What was found in the glass bottles discovered at George Washington's Mount Vernon home?
- Preserved meats
- Fresh vegetables
- Liquid spices
- Perfectly preserved cherries and berries (correct)
Why is the discovery of 250-year-old preserved fruit described as spectacular?
Why is the discovery of 250-year-old preserved fruit described as spectacular?
- It's rare to find organic material that old. (correct)
- It shows advanced preservation techniques of the time.
- It indicates a wealthy lifestyle.
- It's unusual to find fruit of this variety in Virginia.
When were the glass bottles likely buried?
When were the glass bottles likely buried?
- During the American Revolution
- After 1776
- Before 1775 (correct)
- In the early 1700s
Who is the principal archaeologist involved in the excavation of the bottles?
Who is the principal archaeologist involved in the excavation of the bottles?
What variety of cherries is suggested to have been preserved in the bottles?
What variety of cherries is suggested to have been preserved in the bottles?
What is one of the future plans for the preserved cherry seeds?
What is one of the future plans for the preserved cherry seeds?
What significant historical insight might come from analyzing the cherries?
What significant historical insight might come from analyzing the cherries?
What role did the enslaved community have regarding the bottled fruits?
What role did the enslaved community have regarding the bottled fruits?
Flashcards
Mount Vernon Fruit Discovery
Mount Vernon Fruit Discovery
The discovery of 35 glass bottles containing preserved fruits dating back to the 18th century, found during the revitalization of George Washington's Mount Vernon home.
Excavation at Mount Vernon
Excavation at Mount Vernon
The excavation of six storage pits in the cellar of George Washington's Mount Vernon home, which led to the discovery of preserved fruits.
Fruit Preservation
Fruit Preservation
The preservation of fruits for an extended period, often due to natural conditions or deliberate methods.
Fruit DNA Analysis
Fruit DNA Analysis
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Cherry Seed Germination
Cherry Seed Germination
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Climate Change Study
Climate Change Study
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Clay Preservation
Clay Preservation
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Enslaved Community's Role
Enslaved Community's Role
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Study Notes
18th Century Glass Bottle Discovery at Mount Vernon
- Archaeologists unearthed 35 glass bottles at George Washington's Mount Vernon home, dating back to the mid-1700s.
- 29 bottles contained perfectly preserved cherries and berries (likely gooseberries or currants).
- Discovery made during a $40 million revitalization project excavating six storage pits in the cellar.
- Bottles manufactured in England.
- Likely buried sometime before 1776, prior to Washington leading the Continental Army (1775).
Significance of the Find
- "Finding fresh fruit from 250 years ago is spectacular," stated archaeologist Jason Boroughs.
- The preservation required exceptional conditions.
- Bottles reveal insights into daily life, culinary practices of the Washingtons and surrounding community.
- Potentially intended for the Washington's table, but likely preserved and stored by enslaved community members.
- Important artifacts show connections between people and objects from the past.
Scientific Analysis and Future Plans
- Preserved fruits sent to USDA scientists for analysis.
- Initial reports suggest the cherries likely a tart variety, aiding preservation.
- DNA extraction planned to identify exact cherry species and understand Virginia's climatic changes over time.
- Seeds potentially germinated to create a living historical artifact.
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