Maine’s First Ship explores 17th century foodways
Chef Sam Collins with a table full of local ingredients and pots boiling over the fire at the 2023 17th Century Foodways event. Courtesy of Maine’s First Ship
Chef Sam Collins with a table full of local ingredients and pots boiling over the fire at the 2023 17th Century Foodways event. Courtesy of Maine’s First Ship
Maine’s First Ship will hold its second 17th Century Foodways event and Luncheon on Saturday, April 20 at the Bath Freight Shed. MFS, the Bath non-profit whose volunteer force has reconstructed the sailing vessel Virginia originally built by colonists at Popham in 1607-1608, brings back special guests Chef Sam Collins and historian Mike Dekker for the celebration.
The morning, 9 a.m. to noon, offers a chance to explore demonstrations and displays that will be open to the public in the boatyard outside the Freight Shed along the bank of the Kennebec River. There will be hands-on butter churning and a display of sailor’s provisions and cooking supplies. Mike Dekker will discuss the impact that contact and trade had on the foodways of both Indigenous Americans and Europeans. Sea cook Sam Collins will be cooking over an open fire preparing a lunch featuring local ingredients.
A limited number of tickets are available for the 12:30 luncheon when the results of the morning’s efforts will be served in the Freight Shed. The menu includes salt cod chowder or beef stew, fresh greens, fresh bread and freshly churned butter, and plum duff.
The Freight Shed, located at 27 Commercial Street, is just down the street from the Waterfront Park which hosts the Bath Farmers Market for its summer season—the Market will be open in the park 8:30 to noon. During the winter months the Market is held inside the Freight Shed and its familiar vendors are represented among the food suppliers for the event. At present confirmed are Goranson Farms, Hootenanny Bread, and Fat Friar’s Meadery. Additional suppliers include the Kennebec Meat Company.
“Maine’s First Ship invites anyone interested in stepping back in time to stop by during the morning for a unique perspective on history,” says MFS Board Member and event organizer, Dorsey Harrison. “And we hope you join us at the table by purchasing lunch tickets.” The organization will not be charging a fee to view the exhibits though it welcomes donations to support continued educational programs as well as the maintenance and operation of Virginia.
To learn more or to purchase luncheon tickets visit mfship.org/events or call the office at 207-443-4242.
