On this episode of What Remains we are having our first guests, Worshipful Master Michael Dove and Senior Warden Seth Roderick from Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4.

Instead of focusing on one object, we dive into several important pieces of Fredericksburg and Masonic history. Learn about what Freemasonry is, how a very special Bible made it to the World's Fair, what's in a cornerstone, and we even make it to the cemetery.

Join us as we find out...What Remains.

Music Credit: "Phantom Waltz Dance" by Stocktune, used with permission.

When a curious metal tool sparks a deep dive into Fredericksburg’s gaslight era, Kylie uncovers a story of innovation, forgotten history, and unexpected preservation.

From 19th-century lamplighters to a lone surviving gas lamp outside the museum, this episode explores how even the smallest objects can shine a light on the past.

In this episode of What Remains, we explore:

• The story behind a lamplighter’s step in FAM’s collection

• How Fredericksburg’s streets were first lit by gas in the 1860s

• The quirky rules around moonlight and lamp lighting

• A long-lost gas lamp rediscovered in front of the museum

• The preservation efforts that followed

• Derek the Derelict Lamplighter (yes, really)

Thank you to the City of Fredericksburg for supporting preservation efforts and to Mr. F. Freeman Funk for the donation of the lamplighter’s step.

Music Credit: "Phantom Waltz Dance" by Stocktune, used with permission.

In this episode, Kylie and Clarissa uncover the story behind 24 eerily adorable carnival cats in the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s collection—and the wild history they represent. These stuffed leather felines once lived on Scott’s Island, a small patch of land beneath Chatham Bridge better known in the 1920s as Pleasure Island.

But this story stretches far beyond one decade. From patriotic celebrations in the 1800s to fireworks, floating bridges, and yes, carnival games designed to be nearly impossible, Scott’s Island was Fredericksburg’s go-to party spot for over a century. We’ve got dance pavilions, greased poles, early movie nights, and wooden milk bottles you’d never knock over.

What do these strange objects reveal about entertainment,community, and the parts of history we almost forget? Let’s find out!

Music Credit: "Phantom Waltz Dance" by Stocktune, used with permission.

In this special solo episode, Kylie takes you behind the scenes of the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s collection to answer your most-asked questions about what we collect, how we care for it, and what happens to the objects once they’re donated.

From deciding what makes it into the permanent collection to handling duplicates and concerns about storage and display, this episode is packed with insight into the inner workings of museum collections. Plus, Kylie shares one of her personal favorite objects—just for fun.

Whether you're a curious visitor or a potential donor, this episode offers a rare peek into what remains behind the exhibits.

Music Credit: "Phantom Waltz Dance" by Stocktune, used with permission.

Today’s story starts with... a thermometer. Yep, you heard that right. But trust us, this small wooden thermometer on display in our “Living Legacies” exhibit opens the door to a fascinating chapter in Fredericksburg’s history.

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Dr. Webster Lee Harris—dentist, entrepreneur, and community leader—whose impact shaped the city’s Black community in powerful ways. We’ll journey through the story of the Hotel McGuire, a Green Book-listed safe haven for Black travelers during segregation and hear how this resilient building and its visionary founder left a lasting mark on Fredericksburg.

From horse-and-buggy dentistry to affordable housing andthriving Black businesses, this is a story of resilience, innovation, and community impact—told through one unassuming artifact.

Music Credit: “Phantom Waltz Dance” by Stocktune, used with permission.

Today, we explore not one but two intriguing objects: a beautifully bound 19th-century account book from Catharine Furnace and a newly acquired portrait of its proprietor, John Spotswood Wellford. From the fine details of financial transactions to the mystery of an unsigned painting, we uncover the story behind these items and the industrial legacy they represent. Join us as we connect the dots between these objects and dive into the rich, complex history of Wellford and the furnace he ran.

Music Credit: “Phantom Waltz Dance” by Stocktune, used with permission.

We thought it would be fun on this episode of What Remains to take a look at the history of the building that holds our history.

The Old City Hall building (now the FAM) was built in 1816 and has many stories. Learn about why we're here, what's the deal with those hooks, and how the Civil War almost caused us to lose this building.

We love this building, and we hope after listening you will too!

In this debut episode, we set sail—figuratively andhistorically—down the Rappahannock River to explore the story of the batteau, a flat-bottomed wooden boat once envisioned to transform trade in the area.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation with FAM’s CuratorKylie Thomson about river transport, local history, and what the batteau’s story tells us about the ambitions—and limitations—of early infrastructure in Fredericksburg.

Discover what these boats were, why they mattered, and how their story still ripples through local history today.