AMERICANA / WASHINGTON DC'S REAL HIVE OF ACTIVITY

Beekeeper John Ferree tends to his hives atop the Kennedy Center in Washingon DC

THE BEE KEEPER OF THE KENNEDY CENTER 

GUEST BLOG / By Campbell Slavin, Public Relations Coordinator, Kennedy Center--How many of us realize that alongside its extensive performing arts programming, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC is also home to thousands of honey-producing bees? 

Meet John Ferree, the caretaker of this unique urban ecosystem, whose dedication to beekeeping has flourished for over three decades. With unwavering commitment, Ferree tends to over 200,000 bees at the Kennedy Center, ensuring their well-being amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Ferree’s journey into beekeeping began in 1992, sparked by a neighbor’s interest in the Ferree family’s beekeeping legacy. Ferree’s father (and father before him) kept bees, but only whenever his family was settled in one place long enough for him to do so. 

Growing up as a child of a foreign service officer, Ferree’s global experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation of the natural world. From gifting honey to the Shah of Iran to nurturing his own hives, his journey and connection to these remarkable creatures runs deep. 

“When I started keeping [bees], I was mesmerized by them immediately,” Ferree recalled. “It’s such a wonder to work in the hive and see the activity going on. They’re so fascinating; watching baby bees emerging from their cells, and watching the worker bees bringing in pollen and the Queen laying eggs in the hive, witnessing the intricate dance of life within—it's truly mesmerizing." 

Ferree points to Queen Bee

At the Kennedy Center, where Ferree has been keeping bees since 2017, he tends to four hives, each bustling with an estimated 60,000 bees at the peak of the season. Feree’s journey to the KC was a delightful twist of fate. In meeting a former Kennedy Center employee at a party, he pitched the idea of keeping bees on the roof, which was met with excitement and support from Kennedy Center executive leadership. 

 “I had been seeking out rooftop locations for bees in D.C., and when the opportunity presented itself at the Kennedy Center, I figured, ‘Why not ask?’ Plus, the location isn’t so bad,” he joked. 

 Drawing from diverse flora within a three-mile radius, including the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, and the National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center resident bees produce honey with pollen from across the entire area. 

"The honey’s flavor reflects the floral biodiversity of the DC region,” Ferree explained. “The streets in Washington, D.C., are lined with basswood trees, which are particularly fragrant.” 

The process of harvesting honey is a careful one, as it requires special attention to detail. After the bees cap the honeycomb with wax, indicating it’s ready for harvest, Ferree carefully extracts the walls frames of the hive and transports them home for processing. Using a centrifuge, he spins the honey out of the fresh comb, preserving its natural color, flavor, and consistency. 

 "I harvest once a year in the early summer months, yielding up to approximately 200 pounds of honey," Ferree said. 

“Honey in the United States is sold by weight, not by volume. So, you could make 200 one-pound jars!” 

Ferree and bees atop the Kennedy Center with Washington and Lincoln Memorials in the distance

Ferree sees his role as a beekeeper extending far beyond the rooftop hives. As an ambassador for the bees at the Kennedy Center (and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where he also keeps bees), he relishes the opportunity to educate and inspire others about the importance of bees in our ecosystem. 

 “One of my favorite things is playing the ‘guess my role’ game at volunteer dinners," Ferree said, laughing. "Few realize that the Kennedy Center is home to a large bee population and the vital role bees play in our environment. I take pride in spreading awareness and appreciation for these remarkable creatures." 

JOHN FERREE is also the beekeeper at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. CLICK HERE.