By DENISE MOE
Cook an authentic 1800s meal in the historic William Conner House at “Hearthside Suppers,” the historic food program at Conner Prairie living history museum in Fishers. The program runs Wednesday through Sunday evenings in January, February and March, when the outdoor grounds are closed.
The series celebrates historic food, traditional hearth cooking, and the fellowship of the communal table. Presented in candlelight by costumed interpreters in the beautiful 1823 William Conner House, this program offers guests a unique and interactive one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets go on sale each fall and sell out quickly.
Cooking over an open fire at the William Conner House. (Reporter photo by Denise Moe)
Guests arrive in the lobby inside the Welcome Center where you are met by costumed in-character interpreters, who will guide you through the entire evening. You are then escorted by lantern to the William Conner House in 1836 Prairietown.
You do not just come and eat – you are an active participant in the entire immersive experience, helping to prepare and even cook several of the dishes. The guests help churn butter, grind coffee, knead the dough for biscuits, make crackers, chop vegetables, hand whip cream, fry bread and onions, restock firewood and create sauces and jams – all by candlelight and using 1830s cooking methods and equipment. This home chef REALLY missed her KitchenAid and Chef’s knife. It took her and her boyfriend almost 20 minutes to whip cream by hand using a straw three-pronged “whisk.”
Dinner is served at a communal family-style candlelight table and is a true feast, featuring soups, breads, side dishes and meats to pass around and share. During this time, guests can chat and make new friends and ask questions of their in-character hosts.
After supper, guests enter the parlor for 1800s games and entertainment, followed by the serving of dessert. Guests receive recipes for all dishes made that evening and you are bound to leave with a full belly and an appreciation of this authentic one-of-a-kind experience. For more information, please click here.
Reporter photos by Denise Moe