HomeEventsPast Events

Past Events

January 7-14, 2012

96th Pennsylvania Farm Show
Harrisburg, PA

PHMC's booths will feature Native American Foodways in Pennsylvania and a Historical Marker Scavenger Hunt. Find us at booths 5784, 5787, 5824 & 5855 in the Main Hall near the butter sculpture.

The Pennsylvania Civil War 150 Road Show traveling exhibit will be near the Exposition Hall entrance.

February 9, 2012

Maple Sugar School
Somerset Historical Center
Somerset, PA

Learn the basics of making maple syrup and sugar in Somerset County, Pennsylvania's largest maple producing county. Participants will learn about early sugar making techniques, tap trees, gather sugar water, boil syrup, and stir sugar. A great program for anyone who wishes to learn more about this fascinating process or start their own maple business. Cost: $20

February 17-19, 2012

Open Hearth Cooking
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Open Hearth Cooking - "Barning Raising, Quilting Bees and Frolics" - Advanced (must have taken the beginners' Summer Institute class)

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum presents Winter Institute, its proud tradition of craft classes and historical trades. Please visit the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum website for registration information.

February 18, 2012

Open Hearth Cooking
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing, PA

Washington's Birthday Celebration - activities include open hearth cooking at Hibbs House (lower park)

February 25, 2012

Heirloom Seed Program Workshops
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Just in time for plant catalog season! Choose from a variety of 2-hour sessions on home gardening, raising backyard chickens, fruit trees, propagation, and more. Pre-registration is required.

March 11, 2012

Charter Day
Many historic sites and museums along PHMC's Pennsylvania Trails of History® will offer free admission on March 11 in commemoration of Charter Day.

Participating sites include:

† Activities include open hearth cooking demonstrations

March 24, 2012

Heirloom Seed Program's Grafting Workshop
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Grafting is the process of taking a rootstock of one plant and attaching another type of the same species to it so that they eventually grow as one. It is how plant companies can produce fruit trees - such as apple, pear, peach, and other tree fruits - that bear multiple varieties on the same trunk. And, as apples do not breed true, this process is essential to grow uniform, healthy and delicious fruit.

In partnership with the Backyard Fruit Growers, Landis Valley will host this workshop devoted to teaching the novice how to attach applewood "scions" to rootstock. Please visit the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum website for registration information.

March 25, 2012

Women’s Work on Pennsylvania Farms in the Colonial Period
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

Join the Friends of the Daniel Boone Homestead for an exciting presentation celebrating Women's History Month. Amateur historian and part-time farmer Dr. Barbara Corson will present her program entitled, "Women's Work on Pennsylvania Farms in the Colonial Period." This lecture will address the tasks that women commonly did on farms in the eighteenth century including dairying, tending poultry, and helping with field work and hay production.

Program will take place in the DeTurk Education Center. Suggested donation $2.00 per person.

Making Maple Syrup
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Scranton, PA

Curator and maple syrup maker John Fielding will present a program on Making Maple Syrup, at the Anthracite Heritage Museum. The snow date for this program is Sunday, April 1st at 2:30 p.m.

March 30 - April 1, 2012

School of Coopering
Somerset Historical Center
Somerset, PA

Cottage Craft Coopering - a workshop for teaching the basic skills of coopering as practiced in the maple sugar producing region of Somerset County, PA. Students will make a maple sugar keeler.

More details including cost and registration instructions

April 1, 2012

Pennsylvania German Easter and Spring Nature Program
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

children and their families will explore the site's historic buildings as they hunt for Easter eggs and learn about PA German Easter traditions; there will be an egg dyeing activity using colonial-era techniques (bring your own egg if you want to make and take); and a volunteer from Penn State Master Gardeners of Berks County will present a program on landscaping with native plants.

April 14, 2012

Spring Garden Workshop
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

The keynote speaker is Keith Kaiser, horticulture director at Mill Creek MetroParks in Canfield, Ohio. OEV's horticulturalist Dean Sylvester is also a speaker, and participants will have a chance to visit the site's historic gardens and greenhouse. Reservations are required.

April 15, 2012

Open Hearth Cooking
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

Spring in the 17th Century—most of us think of our basic foodstuffs as year-round commodities, but that hasn’t always been the case. Pennsbury’s cooks will share how their 17th-century counterparts welcomed the coming of spring and the availability of greens, eggs, and milk that they’d done without over the winter.

April 22, 2012

Garden Highlights
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

Explore the kitchen garden and see what’s available in the early spring.

May 11-12, 2012

25th Annual Herb & Garden Faire
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Vegetables and flowers and herbs - oh, my! A profusion of plants transforms Landis Valley into a gardener's paradise at this annual sale. More than 80 vendors offering a wide selection of plants (including natives, perennials, annuals, vegetables, shrubs and heirloom varieties). Also featuring garden and decorative items, tools, books, and much more.

May 12, 2012

Summer Saturdays Living History Program
Fort Pitt Museum
Pittsburgh, PA

In honor of Mother's Day, our first program will focus on the role of women during the 18th century. Activities include cooking and laundry demonstrations, a fashion show, and lecture. For questions, please contact Andrew Gaerte at 412-281-9284 or apgaerte@heinzhistorycenter.org.

2nd Annual Washington Crossing Brewfest
Washington Crossing Historic Site
Washington Crossing, PA

This event takes place in the upper park on the banks of the Delaware River, behind the Thompson-Neely House.

May 18, 2012

Community Days
Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata, PA

Students are welcome to explore the activities that made the community of Ephrata a thriving center of life in the colonial days. Try your hand at writing with a quill pen, build a chair, taste old-fashioned food and discover why the doctors of old were not the first place to seek medical treatment. This open-house day features stations with 12-15 minute presentations throughout the historic site. Travel at your own pace from station to station in any order. This is a great experience for students of all backgrounds. uition: $6.00 for students, one adult admitted free with every ten students, additional adults pay $8.00 each. No member discounts are offered. Reservations strongly encouraged.

May 19, 2012

Garden Mart
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

Held in the historic gardens at Old Economy, this event features plants, gardening tools, and food from or for the garden for sale by local garden clubs and vendors as well as OEV's greenhouse and gardens. There will be games and activities for children, too. If you're interested in being a vendor, call Mary at 724/266-4500 x114 or email c-mdemars[at]pa[dot]gov.

Afternoon Tea
Bushy Run Battlefield
Jeanette, PA

Enjoy afternoon tea in the Stone Room of the visitor center. Reservations are required (deadline is May 13) and may be made by calling 724/527-5584; this event is geared for guests age 6 and older.

May 20, 2012

Open Hearth Cooking, Swedish Foodways
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The cooks will compare food traditions of the English and the Swedes (who were some of the earliest European settlers in Pennsylvania).

May 27, 2012

Garden Highlights
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The gardeners will be at work and able to help you enjoy the beauties of the summer garden.

June 8, 2012

Dine Around the Manor
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

Come enjoy a progressive dinner with food and drinks stationed in various buildings around the 43-acre site. Watch the cooks during an on-going 17th century cooking demonstration, be entertained by strolling musicians, and end the evening in the Visitor Center with dessert, a basket raffle, and live auction.

June 16, 2012

American Heritage Chocolate Program
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing, PA

Mars will be joining us with their American Heritage Chocolate Program! They will demonstrate the eighteenth century way of turning cocoa beans into chocolate. Visitors will be able to sample the type of chocolate drink enjoyed by General Washington himself!

Rodney Snyder, of Mars Chocolate North America, will present a lecture (at 10:30 AM & 1PM) and provide samples of historic chocolate much like the kind enjoyed by General George Washington.

Program 10:30AM – 3 PM beginning with a lecture on 18th century chocolate processing. Lecture will be repeated at 1 PM.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-17. The price of admission includes guided tours of the park!

June 16-17, 2012

Patch Town Days
Eckley Miners' Village
Weatherly, PA

Take a walk down Main Street in Eckley and revel in the days of the coal miners. Join in the celebration of the traditions and customs of the anthracite coal region through food, music, vendors, and more. Both days 10am- 5pm.

Admission - Adults (13-64): $6.00, Seniors (65+): $5.50, Children (6-12): $4.00

June 17, 2012

Open Hearth Cooking: Dairying
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

Watch the cooks prepare cheese and cheese related receipts (recipes) and learn about milk in the 17th Century.

June 19-22, 2012

Summer Institute
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Summer Institute offers workshops with hands-on experiences in traditional crafts and farm life as well as fieldtrips about Pennsylvania German culture. Its purpose is to preserve and pass on a working knowledge of 1700s and 1800s rural life. Food-related sessions include baking in a brick oven and open hearth cooking, and a presentation on taverns in the early 1800s. Requires registration.

July 4

Open Hearth Cooking

Washington Crossing Historic Park (Washington Crossing), Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (Lancaster) and Daniel Boone Homestead (Birdsboro) are open on Independence Day and include open hearth cooking among many other activities.

July 7-8

Bark Peelers' Convention
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Galeton, PA

As the last century ended and the 20th began, Pennsylvania's lumber era was at its peak. Each year near the 4th of July the numerous woodhicks and lumber camp workers would gather together in celebration after another year's hard work. Song, dance, good food and lively contests would highlight these festive get-togethers. In memory of those bygone years and in celebration of our past heritage, The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission have re-created those celebrations called "conventions."

Food-related events include camp cooking, apple pie competition, and chili competition.

July 15

Open Hearth Cooking: Preserving the Harvest
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

Stoneware crocks, bladders, vinegar, gally pots and sugar will abound as Pennsbury cooks preserve the harvest for the winter to come.

July 17-19

History Day Camp
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

History Day Camp is a three-day colonial adventure where kids will experience and learn what Daniel did while growing up here! Activities include candle dipping, quill pen writing, eighteenth century toys and games, wool dyeing, butter making, textile processing, and basket weaving. Demonstrations include Native American culture and blacksmithing. A guided tour of the Boone House is also included. Space is limited for 20 kids (entering grades 3-6) and pre-registration is required.

July 21

Celtic Heritage Festival
Graeme Park
Horsham, PA

Celtic Heritage Festival includes a haggis eating contest and other traditional Scottish foods.

July 22

Garden Highlights
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

Spend some time in the kitchen garden and see what the gardeners are up to (they'll even let you help).

July 25

Junior History Workshop - Camp Cooking
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

Camp Cooking is the focus as kids entering grades 3-6 learn how Daniel Boone would have cooked in the wilderness; space is limited and pre-registration is required.

August 3

Cornwall Blast
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Lebanon, PA

A new fundraising event featuring local wineries and breweries, plus music by the Wayne Fox Trio. Wine and beer tastings for those 21 and over, plus other refreshments suitable for younger visitors and those who prefer their beer rooty instead of hoppy.

August 5

Gardening and Food Preservation
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

Join volunteers in period dress for a relaxing summer afternoon featuring eighteenth century gardening and food preservation.

August 5

Ice Cream Social
Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata, PA

What better treat for a warm summer afternoon than a cold dish of ice cream? That's the treat on the menu for the Ice Cream Social to be held at the Ephrata Cloister. Along with the chance to make a sundae of your favorite flavor, some great musical entertainment will be provided by Dean Sensenig. This enjoyable early evening event is sure to please every member of the family, so bring them along and enjoy the tastes, sounds and fellowship at the historic site.

August 5

Lithuanian Heritage Day
Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
Scranton, PA

Exhibits, lectures, food, and musical performances will explore the Lithuanian heritage of the anthracite coal region. Lithuania's ambassador to the U.S. will be among those on hand to enjoy the day. Included in museum admission.

August 11

Food at the Fort
Fort Pitt Museum
Pittsburgh, PA

Food at the Fort examines how the occupants of Fort Pitt ate using natural resources in the 18th century and will feature special demonstrations related to hunting, fishing, and gardening at Fort Pitt.

August 18

Family Day
Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata, PA

Families have always played an important role in life at the Ephrata Cloister, and this is the chance for your entire household to discover the local heritage. From childhood through grandparents, there were jobs for everyone to keep families supplied with food, clothing and education. Try on colonial clothing, visit the early doctor and discover how to make butter.

August 18

Living History Day and Gertrude Rapp's Birthday
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

A full day of activities, with crafts demonstrations (including silk making in honor of the birthday girl), ginger cookies, ice cream and musical entertainment.

August 18-19

Living History and Civil War Weekend
Eckley Miners' Village
Weatherly, PA

Living history demonstrations, military encampments, and reenactments throughout the village. Ethnic food concessions and a Victorian tea are also on the menu. Regular admission rates apply.

August 19

Open Hearth Cooking
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The cooks will be demonstrating Dutch foodways traditions in the kitchen.

August 26

Camp Cooking Demonstrations
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

Volunteers will cook colonial dishes using the tripod and discuss foodways in the eighteenth century.

August 26

Garden Highlights
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The gardeners will be working in the kitchen garden.

Daily in September

Open Hearth Cooking
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Sundays in September

Ice Cream Sunday
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Enjoy live music, wagon rides, and "make-your-own" ice cream sundaes at this family event.

September 7-9

Mountain Craft Days
Somerset Historical Center
Somerset, PA

Since 1970, this event has brought together artisans and craftspeople of all types, and now includes children's activities, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and great food.

September 12

Dedication of Kitchen and Tavern
David Bradford House
Washington, PA

The Kitchen a.k.a. Cabin - A replica of an 18th century cabin on the approximate location of the Bradford's original outdoor cabin/kitchen, thus reclaiming a piece of our local history. This structure will allow us to conduct 18th-century cooking demonstrations and to better interpret what life was like for David Bradford and his family and other families on the western frontier.

September 16

Open Hearth Cooking - French Foodway Traditions
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The cooks will be preparing receipts (recipes) brought to Pennsylvania by French Huguenots in the 1700s.

September 22

Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Lebanon, PA

Kay and Barry Melchi will be cooking ham and hot fresh doughnuts. Stop by to learn some tricks of the craft from a couple of experts. Need cast iron cookware? Stop by our gift shop. We can help!

September 23

Garden Highlights
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

View the fall garden, and listen as the gardeners describe their work.

September 23

Market and Muster Day
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing, PA

Market and Muster Day is formerly known as Harvest Day. Witness colonial townspeople gather at their market place and soldiers assemble to drill. While the soldiers march and fire their muskets, historic crafters will be demonstrating and selling their wares. Shop at our market and buy local produce, colonial baked goods, and other items.

Families will enjoy a wide array of activities including face painting, hayrides, a pie contest, and puppet shows. Please e-mail xingvols@comcast.net to register for the pie contest!

September 29

Encampment Day
Brandywine Battlefield
Chadds Ford, PA

Activities include military drills and firing demonstrations, blacksmithing and carpentry, cooking, and much more.

Hearth and Home Cooking Series
Graeme Park
Horsham, PA

Experience first hand the emergence of our unique American appetite, as the period leading up to the Revolutionary War brings together elements of English, German, French, and Native recipes! Distinctively taught in the intimate Summer kitchen at Graeme Park, the Hearth and Home cooking series will give participants the opportunity to prepare a full colonial meal over an open wood fire, as would have been enjoyed by the Graeme family during their time in the Keith House.

Each class is taught by experienced site interpreter Erin Agnew, and will focus on the seasonal availibility of foods in Southeastern Pennsylvania . Each class includes a hands-on lesson in open hearth cooking and the opportunity to enjoy your authentic meal in our equally historic setting.

September 29-30

Erntefest - Harmonist Harvest Festival
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

Learn how the Harmonists celebrated the Harvest and prepared for the long winter. Churn butter, make apple schnitz, press apples for cider, watch Craftsmen demonstrate their skills and much more. Enjoy family friendly activities, carriage rides, hot dogs, ice cream, and lemonade. Homemade German food available at St. John's Lutheran Church across the street from the Village.

Various Days in October

Open Hearth Cooking
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

October 6, 13, 20

Mysterious, Melancholy, and Macabre
Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata, PA

Ripped from the headlines of early Lancaster newspapers, stories of murder, conspiracy, lightning strikes, and (perhaps) a ghost or two make this a chilling (though not terrifying) event. A master carver will be working on a giant pumpkin (about an hour before the first tour). Reservations are recommended, and tickets are on sale now; call 717/733-6600. Tours set out every half-hour from 6:30 to 8 pm.

October 7

Historic Foodways - A Revolution in Chocolate
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing, PA

All are welcomed to a revolution in chocolate this Come Sunday, October 7th, 2012 from 10:30am to 3:00pm at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Connie Unangst, an open hearth cook, will present Mar’s American Heritage historic chocolate cooking demonstration. As Courtesy of Mars Chocolate North America, visitors will be offered a sample of a chocolate drink, similarly to the chocolate drinks enjoyed by General George Washington! Historically accurate chocolate also will be available for purchase in our gift shop. Admission is free.

October 13

Oktoberfest from A to Z
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

This seminar will look at the history, facts, customs, traditions, and highlights of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Cost is $20; contact instructor Ed Heinlein at 412/680-6460 or eheinlein@comcast.net. 10 am-noon.

German Oktoberfest Celebration
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

Enjoy entertainment by Burke's Bavarian Band and German beer from Pennsylvania. Cost is $40 ($32 for members of FOEV); deadline to purchase tickets is Oct. 8 (call 724/266-4500 x 101). 6-10 pm.

October 13-14

Harvest Days Festival
Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Landis Valley's biggest and oldest event, Harvest Days is a culmination of a year's worth of hard work with demonstrations, crafts, wagon rides, and food to immerse you in Pennsylvania German traditions.

October 14

Heritage Day and Market Fair
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

Activities planned for this annual event include a market and craft fair, Pennsylvania German food vendors, open hearth cooking and baking demonstrations, the unveiling of the newly renovated visitor center, and a new exhibit on the myths and history of Daniel Boone. Admission charged (no fee for Friends of Daniel Boone Homestead members). 10 am-4 pm.

October 20

Bonfire and Harvest Festival
Scranton Iron Furnaces
Scranton, PA

Experience Celtic harvest traditions, food, music, and a roaring bonfire at the Scranton Iron Furnaces. Sign up to enter the Pumpkin Carving contest. Admission fee charged, benefits the Arts on Fire Festival held in the summer. 8-11 pm.

Great Pumpkin Day
State Museum of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA

This annual family event provides fun, games, snacks, and a "Trick-or-Treat" challenge as you explore the exhibits. Included in museum admission. 10 am-3 pm.

October 21

Open Hearth Cooking
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The bake oven will be fired and the aroma of bread will fill the Bake and Brew as the Pennsbury cooks recreate a baking day in the 17th Century. 1-4 pm.

October 27

Reservation deadline for Dinner with Daniel Boone
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

This fundraising event on November 3 will feature Boone interpreter Scott New, who will be at the homestead that day to help celebrate Daniel's birthday. Check here for details and call 610/582-4900 for reservations.

October 28

Halloween at the Homestead and Pig Roast Fundraiser
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA

There will be loads of activities for kids, including trick-or-treating (wear a costume and bring a bag for your goodies), plus a storytelling program, and a pig roast fundraiser. Different admission fees apply depending on what you wish to participate in (combo tickets are available). 10 am-4 pm.

November 15-16

7th Annual Holiday Marketplace
Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation
Harrisburg, PA

The seventh annual Holiday Marketplace will be held on Thursday and Friday, November 15 - 16, in the atrium of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Holiday Marketplace features booths showcasing Pennsylvania-themed gifts for the holidays from a number of PHMC's historic sites and museums from throughout the state. Products include hand-crafted items such as beeswax candles, holiday decorations, reproductions of vintage toys and games, books, pottery, and maple sugar candy.

There are two special presentations during the Marketplace to highlight Pennsylvania's agricultural and culinary heritage:

November 15 at 12:15 p.m., Author Becky Diamond will speak about her book Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America's First Cooking School.

November 16 at 12:15 p.m., Mark Ware of Somerset Historical Center will present a maple sugaring demonstration.

November 18

Open Hearth Cooking
Pennsbury Manor
Morrisville, PA

The cooks will be exploring German food traditions (William Penn invited residents of the Palatinate to settle in Pennsylvania) and comparing them to English traditions of the period. 1-4 pm.

November 25

Annual Christmas Dinner
Old Economy Village
Ambridge, PA

Enjoy a very special evening combining the rich culture of the Harmony Society with a unique dining opportunity. The dinner takes place in the Historic Feast Hall, where you will dine by lantern light. Along with a delicious meal, special musical entertainment will punctuate the evening. Proceeds of this event benefit the Friends of Old Economy Village, who support educational programs and special projects at the village year-round. RSVP by November 18 by calling 724-266-4500 x101

December 1-20

3rd in the Burg Gives Back
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA

The Museum is a drop-off point for donations of canned and other nonperishable food items for Harrisburg's Ecumenical Food Pantry. Donors receive a discount coupon for the Museum Store. Donations accepted during regular operating hours.

December 5

Days of the Belsnickel Dinner Tour
Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Start with some shopping in the Weathervane followed by wine and cheese in the visitor center, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner in the Landis Valley Hotel. Oh, and spend some time with der Belsnickel, who's sure to be a cranky addition to the party. Reservations required (sign up by Monday, 12/3); call 717/581-0431 or email c-jperkins@pa.gov. 5:30 pm.

December 8

Days of the Belsnickel Lunch Tour
Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
Lancaster, PA

Tour the village to see the holiday decorations and open hearth cooking, then enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal and shopping at the Weathervane. Der Belsnickel will be on hand to liven things up. Reservations required (no later than Monday, 12/3); call 717/581-0590 or email c-jschurin@pa.gov. 11 am.

Hearth and Home Cooking Series
Graeme Park
Horsham, PA

Experience first hand the emergence of our unique American appetite, as the period leading up to the Revolutionary War brings together elements of English, German, French, and Native recipes! Distinctively taught in the intimate Summer kitchen at Graeme Park, the Hearth and Home cooking series will give participants the opportunity to prepare a full colonial meal over an open wood fire, as would have been enjoyed by the Graeme family during their time in the Keith House.

Each class is taught by experienced site interpreter Erin Agnew, and will focus on the seasonal availibility of foods in Southeastern Pennsylvania . Each class includes a hands-on lesson in open hearth cooking and the opportunity to enjoy your authentic meal in our equally historic setting.

December 8-9

A Frontier Christmas Celebration
David Bradford House
Washington, PA

Tours feature open hearth cooking demonstrations in Bradford's kitchen, period holiday tavern music and discussions on seasonal tavern drinks and foods, costumed docents and the Bradford House decorated with holiday finishings.

March 9, 2013

Hearth and Home Cooking Series
Graeme Park
Horsham, PA

Experience first hand the emergence of our unique American appetite, as the period leading up to the Revolutionary War brings together elements of English, German, French, and Native recipes! Distinctively taught in the intimate Summer kitchen at Graeme Park, the Hearth and Home cooking series will give participants the opportunity to prepare a full colonial meal over an open wood fire, as would have been enjoyed by the Graeme family during their time in the Keith House.

Each class is taught by experienced site interpreter Erin Agnew, and will focus on the seasonal availibility of foods in Southeastern Pennsylvania . Each class includes a hands-on lesson in open hearth cooking and the opportunity to enjoy your authentic meal in our equally historic setting.

May 11, 2013

Hearth and Home Cooking Series
Graeme Park
Horsham, PA

Experience first hand the emergence of our unique American appetite, as the period leading up to the Revolutionary War brings together elements of English, German, French, and Native recipes! Distinctively taught in the intimate Summer kitchen at Graeme Park, the Hearth and Home cooking series will give participants the opportunity to prepare a full colonial meal over an open wood fire, as would have been enjoyed by the Graeme family during their time in the Keith House.

Each class is taught by experienced site interpreter Erin Agnew, and will focus on the seasonal availibility of foods in Southeastern Pennsylvania . Each class includes a hands-on lesson in open hearth cooking and the opportunity to enjoy your authentic meal in our equally historic setting.

 

Special Events & Exhibits

January 14 - June 10, 2012

From Field to Feast: Pennsylvania German Food
The Hershey Story
Hershey, PA

The newest special exhibit examines the unique culture surrounding 18th- and 19th-century Pennsylvania German food. The exhibit features dozens of artifacts, some purchased by Milton Hershey. Traditional Pennsylvania German methods of harvesting and animal husbandry are explored, as well as food preparation and preservation. Visitors can also learn about open-hearth cooking, butter-making and Pennsylvania German social gatherings.

February 1-29, 2012

Chocolate-Covered February
Hershey, PA

What better place to celebrate our love of the world's favorite culinary delight than in Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth? Whether you come for the day or stay overnight — as a couple or a family — you'll find there are many ways to enjoy chocolate during the month-long celebration!

March 24 - 25, 2012

3rd Annual Edinboro Maple Festival
Edinboro, PA

3rd Annual Edinboro Maple Festival held in cooperation with the NW Pennsylvania Maple Producers Taste and Tour. Maple Festival sponsored by the Edinboro Area Historical Society and the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department. Held at the volunteer fire hall, 125 Meadville St. in downtown Edinboro. Admission for pancakes, fresh pork sausage and local maple syrup. Festival also includes arts and crafts, live music, local agricultural vendors, 50/50 drawing, Silent Auction and door prizes. Maple Festival is open 9 am - 3 pm

September 13

Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America's First Cooking School
The Library Company of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

Mrs. Goodfellow was a cook and confectioner who conducted cooking classes in her pastry shop in early 19th-century Philadelphia. Becky Diamond, author of Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America's First Cooking School, will discuss what it was like to be a student under her tutelage and Philadelphia's role as the premiere food city of its day. The lecture will be accompanied by a display of documents from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's collection, including several historic cookbooks.

July 14 - September 9, 2012

Food in PA: From Field to Table
Idea Zone at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA

Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Come discover Pennsylvania's fascinating food heritage in this fun, hands-on experience for kids and families.

July 14 - October 27, 2012

South Side Farmers' Market
Scranton Iron Furnaces
Scranton, PA

Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered in partnership with the Elm Street Revitalization Project.

April - November 2012

The Combat Ration
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Boalsburg, PA

An exhibit focused on what military personnel in the 20th century consumed during combat. The rations on display include Meal(s)-Ready-to-Eat, real "tin" cans, cellophane wrappings and waxed cardboard boxes. The exhibit also includes food from Pennsylvania companies such as the Hershey Corp.'s Emergency Field Ration D Bar, designed for use when a soldier was on the verge of starvation.