Open Hearth Cooking at the Bement Billings Farmstead

The Newark Valley Historical Society will host an Open Hearth Cooking workshop on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bement-Billings Farmstead Museum, located on Route 38 in Newark Valley. 

Scholarships are available and there is limited enrollment. All materials are provided. The cost is $45 for Newark Valley Historical Society members, and $50 for non-members.

Register with Leslie by calling (607) 642-5412 by Aug. 22.

Workshop participants will be introduced to fireplace cooking and equipment traditionally used by early settlers prior to the mid 1800’s in this local area of upstate New York and Pennsylvania.

Participants will utilize the Farmstead’s authentic cooking implements such as the fireplace crane, Dutch oven and spider to prepare and enjoy eating a traditional meal using a combination of historic recipes and modern adaptations. The menu will emphasize locally sourced seasonal herbs and vegetables. 

Topics discussed will include fire preparation and safety, common dining practices, historic recipes or “receipts”, medicinal herbs, homesteading and more. Recently, among younger generations especially there has been a resurgence of interest in learning traditional homesteading skills. This workshop offers the opportunity for a new generation to experience what was once so commonplace.

For more information, visit nvhistory.org, or email to nvhistory@stny.rr.com.