Foodways: Dye Plants

**// ABOUT THE PROGRAM //** During the Euro-Colonial period in Connecticut, home owners, farmers and some professionals used natural plant materials to dye fabric for clothing and household use. Some plants were native to the New World, but many were those brought here from the Old world as the plants had proved their serviceability over years of experimentation and use. Families would be familiar with wool and flax/linen production and coloring. Some of the methods employed were beyond the skill of a homeowner and would be left to professional dyers, but many could be – and were – employed by the average family. During this year’s Connecticut Museum Open House Day, come hear about the use of cabbage, onion skins, mint leaves, and many other agents used to color the cloth of the Colonial period, as demonstrated by Dennis D. Picard, public historian, and living history professional. **[// ABOUT FOODWAYS //](https://www.s-wh.org/foodways)** 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. We please ask for your registration to this free program on CT Open House Day. **[// ABOUT STANLEY-WHITMAN HOUSE //](https://www.s-wh.org)** 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. **FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION:**