
Supplies
- 1 Cup ripe berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
- 1 Teaspoon vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- Red or blue food coloring (optional)
- Strainer
- Small bowl
- Small jar with lid
- Spoon
Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
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The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
In the 18th century people figured out ways to make their own ink using things found in nature. Berries, acorns, beets, charcoal, and walnuts could all be used to make ink!
If the ink is too pale, add a drop of red or blue food coloring.
Please note: Berry ink spoils quickly, so make only a little at a time. Keep the ink jar tightly covered when you are not using it.
During the 18th century, the best ink to have was Iron Gall Ink. It was made of iron, tree galls (a knot formed when a certain type of wasp burrows into a tree), and gum Arabic. Most of these ingredients had to be imported, and as a result, ink could be very expensive. Powdered Iron Gall Ink was the most popular form of ink because the person using it could mix up exactly the amount they needed.
If Iron Gall Ink was not available, people figured out ways to make their own ink using things found in nature. Berries, acorns, beets, charcoal, and walnuts could all be used to make ink!