Food history program on the menu at Blennerhassett Island
The Saturday History Series on Blennerhassett Island will include a program on foods of the early 19th century and the role food had in the daily lives of the Blennerhassetts at 1 p.m. July 15. (Photo Provided)
A previous event included an entree of roasted hen stuffed with potatoes and parsley served with minted peas, carrot pudding, fresh melon and cheese. (Photo Provided)
The Blennerhassett Mansion Kitchen includes this table originally owned by the Blennerhassetts. (Photo Provided)
The Saturday History Series on Blennerhassett Island will include a program on foods of the early 19th century and the role food had in the daily lives of the Blennerhassetts at 1 p.m. July 15. (Photo Provided)
A previous event included an entree of roasted hen stuffed with potatoes and parsley served with minted peas, carrot pudding, fresh melon and cheese. (Photo Provided)
The Blennerhassett Mansion Kitchen includes this table originally owned by the Blennerhassetts. (Photo Provided)
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PARKERSBURG -- A program on food and the role it played in the daily lives of the Blennerhassetts will be presented at 1 p.m. July 15 at the mansion on the island.
The Saturday History Series will continue with the special mansion tour where foods of the early 19th century will be explored throughout the mansion.
Participants will learn about the role of food at social events and in entertaining, how to properly set the early 19th century dining table, appropriate table etiquette, the cooking methods for hearth cookery and more.
Entertainment at the Blennerhassett mansion depended on food, whether it was a dinner in the formal dining room, tea in the parlor or refreshments during an evening of dancing.
The program will include the summer kitchen with the seasonality, cooking methods and food preservation. Margaret Blennerhassett was an excellent cook and taught classes in fine cookery to neighboring women.
Recipes on display at the Blennerhassett dinner table will be provided to each participant and be tried at home using modern interpretations. A handout about food important to the Blennerhassetts will be available.
"These summer monthly Saturday History Programs give the public a chance to learn more about different aspects of the Blennerhassett family," Craig Pyles, park superintendent, said. "It's another good reason to visit this park."
The tour will be led by food historians and authors Martha and Dick Hartley. They have written "The Frontier Table" and "Serving Up History."
The Hartleys are Blennerhassett volunteer educators, Pyles said. Park volunteers help in variety of ways, he said.
Cost of the one-hour tour is $5 per adult plus boat transportation to the island. For more information, call the museum at 304 422-4800.