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Questions and Answers
How many intact glass bottles were discovered at Mount Vernon?
How many intact glass bottles were discovered at Mount Vernon?
- 35
- 6
- 250
- 29 (correct)
What is the primary purpose of the $40 million revitalization project at Mount Vernon?
What is the primary purpose of the $40 million revitalization project at Mount Vernon?
- To discover historical artifacts.
- To determine the exact species of cherries eaten by George Washington.
- To preserve the historic mansion for future generations. (correct)
- To analyze the chemical composition of 18th-century glass bottles.
When were the glass bottles likely buried under the clay in Mount Vernon?
When were the glass bottles likely buried under the clay in Mount Vernon?
- Sometime before 1776. (correct)
- Sometime after the American Revolution.
- Around the time of the $40 million revitalization project.
- After George Washington's death.
Which organization is analyzing the preserved fruits found in the bottles?
Which organization is analyzing the preserved fruits found in the bottles?
What is one of the stated reasons for the cherries surviving so well?
What is one of the stated reasons for the cherries surviving so well?
What information could DNA analysis of the cherries provide?
What information could DNA analysis of the cherries provide?
What are the scientists hoping to extract from the preserved cherry seeds?
What are the scientists hoping to extract from the preserved cherry seeds?
What do the bottles provide a glimpse into for archaeological context?
What do the bottles provide a glimpse into for archaeological context?
Flashcards
Time Capsule Fruit
Time Capsule Fruit
The preservation of fruit over 250 years in bottles discovered at George Washington's Mount Vernon home.
Historical Culinary Evidence
Historical Culinary Evidence
These preserved fruits, likely cherries and berries, provide insight into the daily life and culinary practices of George Washington and his community.
Excavation Discovery
Excavation Discovery
The discovery of these preserved fruits was made during the excavation of storage pits in the cellar of George Washington's home.
English Bottle Origins
English Bottle Origins
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Forgotten Treasure
Forgotten Treasure
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Tart Cherry Preservation
Tart Cherry Preservation
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Scientific Analysis
Scientific Analysis
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Living Artifact
Living Artifact
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Study Notes
18th-Century Glass Bottles Found at Mount Vernon
- Archaeologists unearthed 35 glass bottles at George Washington's Mount Vernon home, dating back to the 1700s.
- 29 bottles contained preserved cherries and berries (likely gooseberries or currants).
- The bottles were found in six storage pits in the cellar during a $40 million revitalization project.
- The bottles were manufactured in England in the mid-1700s.
Preservation of the Fruits
- The excellent preservation of the fruits is attributed to a combination of factors, such as the specific type of cherry and the burial conditions.
- The bottles were likely buried under clay before 1776, and forgotten after George Washington left in 1775.
Importance of the Discovery
- The find provides a rare insight into the daily life and culinary practices of the Washingtons and those around them.
- The preserved fruits were carefully removed and sent for analysis at the USDA.
- Future research includes extracting DNA from the cherries and comparing it to existing varieties.
- This will help determine the exact species enjoyed.
- It will also provide information on the climate changes in Virginia.
- Scientists also intend to try germinating cherry seeds to create a living artifact from American history.
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