History Lunch and Learn: The Tidewater Table: Fall Foodways in 18th Century Coastal Virginia

Discover how our Colonial Virginian forebears enjoyed the autumnal abundance of our local fields, forests, and fishing grounds in the insightful and entertaining program. Explore the foods and beverages that may have been served by wealthy landowners like the Thoroughgoods and Boushes compared with the everyday fare of enslaved and free working-class people in our region. We’ll examine the techniques, tools, and equipment used by colonial cooks, and even debunk some of the common myths about what 18th century colonists ate and drank.

Allison Parker Hedrick is a public historian and self-described “history nerd” who specializes in telling the stories of the people of the past through material culture—the things they made, ate, wore, used, and left behind. Drawing on her years as an award-winning 18th century foodways demonstrator and reenactor, folk singer, author, artist, costumer, event planner, former television host, and stand-up comedian (yes, really!), and as Program Director for Handmade History LLC, she enjoys bringing history to life in fun and interactive ways.