Foodways: Hearth Cooking Colonial Thanksgiving

Join us for a journey back in time at our Foodways: Hearth Cooking: Colonial Thanksgiving event and experience the flavors of a traditional colonial Thanksgiving feast.

On Saturday, Nov 23, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time), we will gather in the Whitman Tavern to celebrate Thanksgiving in the most authentic way possible. Prepare to be transported to a world where open-hearth cooking was the norm.

During this in-person event, you will have the chance to learn from Dennis Picard, a longtime historic interpreter who specializes in colonial cooking techniques. He will guide you through preparing classic Thanksgiving dishes using traditional methods and ingredients.

Join us and immerse yourself in a colonial Thanksgiving's sights, sounds, and aromas. This event is perfect for history buffs, food enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to explore the rich culinary heritage of our nation.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving like never before. Reserve your spot now and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience!

Food in colonial times was much different compared to what we eat today. Religious beliefs, traditions, geography, growing season, harvest, and cooking methods all played a role in what was available and how much was eaten, with each region developing its unique dietary habits. "Living history" expert Dennis Picard will share anecdotes about New England colonial life while demonstrating how to start a fire and cook in the hearth or on an open campfire.

In 1935, Stanley-Whitman House was established as Farmington's first museum. It is a nationally recognized historic house museum and living history center that teaches through the collection, preservation, research, and dynamic interpretation of the history and culture of early Farmington, Connecticut. Programs, events, classes, and exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in history by doing, acting, questioning, and engaging in colonial life and the ideas that formed the foundation of that culture.

Located in the historic village of Farmington, the museum facility centers on a circa 1720 National Historic Landmark house furnished with period antiques to reflect the everyday activities of Colonial life in Connecticut. Surrounding the house are period-raised bed gardens, an apple orchard, and heritage stone walls.

The public service areas of the museum, constructed in 2004, include a modern classroom, a period tavern room, a post-and-beam Welcome Center, a research library, an exhibit gallery, the Nancy Conklin History Gallery, and a collection storage area.

In addition to managing Memento Mori, Farmington’s ancient cemetery on Main Street, and the Village Green, located at the intersection of Routes 4 and 10, the museum also oversees the Scott Swamp Cemetery on Route 6. The Stanley-Whitman House is supported in part by the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

At Stanley Whitman House, our commitment to accessibility is paramount. While not all of our programs are free, we strive to offer as many as possible at no cost, thanks to the generous support of our underwriters. If you wish to assist us in this mission, we welcome donations, which help us to expand further and diversify our range of activities. Your contributions play a crucial role in maintaining and increasing the accessibility of our programs.

Host or Publisher Stanley-Whitman House