Contact the Education Programs Administrator at 410-222-1919 x212 or via email for availability, bookings, and more information.

Colonial Foodways:

The study of foodways provides a unique way of learning about the past.  Social, economic and political diversity among colonial people is often revealed by examining the food that they ate.  Through careful study of the history of the Chesapeake region, material culture, primary documents documents including; diaries, probate records, inventories, and even early cookbooks, this program provides a better understanding of life in the 18th century. Obtain a teacher’s packet with pre- and post-visit activities here.

Program Objectives:

• Identify and understand the different groups of people that co-existed in London Town.
• Learn the importance of staple foods, such as corn and beef, in the diet of the 18th century.
• Learn and experience the different cooking methods and ingredients used by colonists, indentured servants, and enslaved people.
• Develop an understanding of what life and chores were like for children in the 18th century.
• Understand the social, economic, and political differences between colonists, indentured servants, and slaves and how this was demonstrated through food choices and rations.
• Learn that food has meaning and through its study we can understand the different beliefs and customs once held by colonial people.

Lessons Used:

• Lord Mayor’s Tenement—Students can experience daily life of children in the 18th Century, including meal preparation, corn grinding, and cleaning.
• Kitchen Garden and African American Demonstration Garden reveal the versatility of 18th century gardens. Students can help harvest vegetables, herbs and crops for hearth cooking in the Lord Mayor's Tenement.