CURRENT HOURS: Closed through May 31; Open Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm starting June 1
EFFECTIVE 3/18/2020: Historic Skills Classes offered between now and April 17 have been cancelled while we practice social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. At this time, classes scheduled on or after April 18 are still running as scheduled. Please email djones@lhf.org for the most current information prior to making a reservation.
We will continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by government and healthcare officials and make program updates accordingly.
Want to know more about a something you saw at Living History Farms, interested in learning a new skill, or just want to have fun with friends or family? Then sign up for one of our Historic Skills Classes!
You will work in small groups to learn more about a specific skill or trade that was common in the 19th century, from baking to blacksmithing. And with a small class size, you are guaranteed lots of individualized instruction and plenty of opportunity to participate.
Life is busy for everyone! Don’t have time for a three hour learning adventure, but still want to explore a historic craft or cooking skill? Join us for a Signature Sampler!
These experiences target one specific project and provide a fun sample of the tastes, talents, and atmosphere found in our historic kitchens and craft shops. Not as intense as our longer classes, these samplers allow participants to dip their toes in the Living History pool!
These are classes are offered at $37/person. Most classes are for adults ages 18 and up. Classes marked as Teen Friendly are open to teens ages 12 and up when accompanied by a parent or guardian (18 or older) who is also registered for the class.
Date | Time | Subject | Location |
| Saturday, February 8 | 9:00-10:15am | Biscuits, Gravy, and Coffee | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, February 15 | 9:00-10:30am | Scones and Tea* | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, February 22 | 9:00-10:30am | Norwegian Sweet Rolls: Kringla Knots* | Tangen Home |
| Tuesday, March 3 | 6:00-7:30pm | Spiced Apple Tarts, Whipped Cream, & Hot Cider* | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 7 | 9:30-11:00am | Sheep Chores* | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, March 7 | 1:00-2:15pm | Irish Ribbons and Bows | Millinery |
| Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00-7:15pm | Sweet and Savory Fritters | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 21 | 9:30-11:00am | Horse Chores | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, March 21 | 1:00-2:30pm | Introduction to Crochet* | Tangen Home |
| Tuesday, March 24 | 6:00-7:30pm | Strawberry Shortcakes* | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 28 | 9:30-11:00am | Cattle Chores* | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, March 28 | 1:00-2:30pm | Printing Calling Cards* | Print Shop |
| Saturday, April 4 | 10:00-11:30am | Poultry Processing | 1900 Farm |
| Tuesday, April 7 | 6:00-7:30pm | Potato Pancakes | Tangen Home |
* Indicates a “Teen Friendly” Class
Jump to the Signature Sampler Class Descriptions
These classes are more in-depth experiences than our Signature Sample classes and are available for adults ages 18 and up.
Date | Time | Subject | Location |
| Saturday, February 8 | 1:00-4:00pm | Basics of Woodstove Cooking | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, February 15 | 1:00-4:00pm | 19th Century Breadbaking | Tangen Home |
| Sunday, February 23 | 1:00-4:00pm | Cakes and Pies in a Woodstove | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 28 | 12:30-3:30pm | Sourdough Bread | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, April 4 | 9:00am-noon | Blacksmithing Basics | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 4 | 1:30-4:30pm | Blacksmithing: Camp Tripod | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 18 | 1:00-4:00pm | Blacksmithing: Items for the Home | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 25 | 9:00am-noon | Basics of Draft Horse Driving | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, April 25 | 9:30-11:30am | Taste of the Ioway | Conference Center |
| Saturday, April 25 | 1:00-5:00pm | Basics of Hearth Cooking | 1850 Pioneer Farm |
| Saturday, April 25 | 1:30-4:30pm | Intermediate Draft Horse Driving | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, April 25 | 1:30-4:30pm | Basics of Hand Sewing | Conference Center |
Jump to the Adult Class Descriptions
These classes are for pairs of adults and children (age 7-12) or pairs of adults and teens (age 12-16).
Date | Time | Subject | Location |
| Saturday, March 21 | 9:00-11:30am | Woodstove Cooking with Kids | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, April 18 | 9:00am-noon | Basic Blacksmithing with Teens | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 18 | 1:00-4:00pm | Printing with Teens | Print Shop |
| Saturday, April 25 | 8:30-11:00am | Hearth Cooking with Teens | 1850 Pioneer Farm |
Jump to the Family Class Descriptions
Biscuits, Gravy, and CoffeeBake a fluffy baking powder biscuit in the woodstove while stirring up milk-and-sausage gravy to go over the top. Grind some beans and boil a pot of coffee to go with it all.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Biscuits, Gravy, and Coffee
Scones and Tea*Mix, roll out and bake a traditional tea scone. Pair it with fruit jam and a steaming cup of tea for a light brunch treat!
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Norwegian Sweet Rolls: Kringla Knots*Mix and bake this favorite figure eight shaped Norwegian cookie in our wood-burning stove. Enjoy your treat with a steaming cup of coffee!
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Norwegian Sweet Rolls: Kringla Knots
Spiced Apple Tarts, Whipped Cream, & Hot Cider*Roll out a pie crust for this spicy apple treat. Whip sweet cream for the top while it bakes in the wood stove. Enjoy the results with a mug of hot cider.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Spiced Apple Tarts, Whipped Cream, & Hot Cider
Sheep Chores*Meet the wooly ewes that spend the winter at the 1900 era Farm and help with morning chores, such as Feeding, watering, checking ewes in anticipation of lambs. Dress for the weather and a farm environment.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Irish Ribbons and BowsLearn to make fancy ribbon bows in green, or orange, for embellishing clothing in the Irish spirit, just as hat trimmers did in the 19th century. Explore the millinery cases filled with ribbons, beads and buttons. No sewing experience required.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Irish Ribbons and Bows
Sweet and Savory FrittersMix a basic batter to embellish with fruits such as apples or peaches; try a savory fritter of onions and sage. Fry and taste your mixtures in the Tangen kitchen.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Sweet and Savory Fritters
Horse ChoresSpend the morning in the 1900 farm barn, feeding and grooming the draft horses and mule. Dress for the weather and a farm environment.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Introduction to Crochet*Spend an hour learning to hold a crochet hook, chain stitch yarn, single and double stitch! Go home with at least the start of a mug mat or cozy, a hook and a new hobby!
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Introduction to Crochet
Strawberry Shortcakes*Victorians loved strawberry parties and festivals. Try your hand at baking a slightly sweet baking powder cake in the wood stove, hand whipping some cream, and then layering it all with strawberries in a sweet glaze for this fruity spring treat!
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Strawberry Shortcakes
Cattle Chores*Get up close to the cattle spending the winter at the 1900 farm. Help with morning chores, including feeding and grooming. Dress for the weather and a farm environment.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Before texting and voice mail messages, every gentleman and lady carried a calling card to offer their new acquaintances. Hand-set the type for your name and print a set of cards of your own. A great introduction to moveable type printing.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Printing Calling Cards
What does it take to get a chicken from farmyard to fork? Discover how to pluck and dress barnyard harvested poultry. Learn the various poultry cuts and how they are carved. Dress for being on a farm, as most of this class takes place outside.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Poultry Processing
Potato PancakesMany cultures and countries turn potatoes into small cakes of fried bliss. The addition of an egg here or veggies there makes for subtle and tasty differences. Make an Irish Boxty, a German kartelpoffer, and a latke. We’ll grate up potatoes and make as many variations as we can fit in the time!
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Basics of Woodstove CookingDo you have a wood-burning stove at home that you’d like to cook on, but have no prior knowledge of how to do it? Want to try cooking like your great grandparents? Roll up your sleeve and make hearty meat stew, a vegetable side dish, bread, and a cake. Learn the design of the woodstove and how to properly use it. After the meal is prepared, sit down to enjoy the food and ask questions. You will get recipes to take home and try. All costs of food included in the costs of the class. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Basics of Woodstove Cooking
19th Century BreadbakingDo you need a refresher course on making bread from scratch? Would you like to try baking in a wood-burning stove? Try your hand at biscuits, yeast bread, and cinnamon rolls in an 1876 era farm kitchen while learning the history of bread making. Afterwards, sit around the table to enjoy your creations, while learning more about the house and the type of family that would have lived there. You will get recipes to take home and try. All costs of food included in the costs of the class. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for 19th Century Breadbaking
Cakes and Pies in a WoodstoveHave your cake and eat pie too! Explore why it’s called a pound cake and discover why 19th century cakes tend to be heavier than modern mixes! Learn to make pie crust and mix up a delectable fruit pie. Bake your creations in a wood-burning stove, and afterwards, enjoy the sweet fruits of your labor as you discuss adapting historic recipes. All costs of food included in the costs of the class. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Cakes and Pies in a Woodstove
Sourdough BreadEver wonder what makes bread rise? Come and learn the science of leavening while baking a loaf of sourdough bread in a wood-fired oven. Create other tasty treats while working in a kitchen typical of a upper middle class house in the 1870s. Learn about the history of sourdough and the different uses for it. All recipes and materials for this class are provided, but be sure an apron, water bottle and a container to take home some sourdough starter for your kitchen and be ready to get started baking.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Blacksmithing BasicsThe class is designed to give someone with little or no metal working skills a hands-on, fun “be a blacksmith for a day” experience. Explore the basics of forge work in a blacksmith shop while making decorative iron project to take home. Topics will include safety, tools, and equipment and beginning techniques for shaping metal. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor and for the weather. Shop is heated by a wood burning stove only. Bring heavy work gloves, eye protection, and a water bottle.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Blacksmithing Basics
Blacksmithing: Make a Camp TripodStudents will get a good work out as they learn about historic blacksmithing techniques and forge a large camp tripod that doubles as a rotisserie or decorative plant hanger for the yard (retail value over $50!). The finished project will stand between 5-6 feet tall, and is based on a Civil War era design, great for those who camp or do reenacting. Students will learn blacksmithing skills such as drawing out metal, making eye bolts, and advanced forging techniques. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor and for the weather. Shop is heated by a wood burning stove only. Bring heavy work gloves, eye protection, and a water bottle.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Blacksmithing: Make a Camp Tripod
Blacksmithing: Items for the HomeStudents will have the opportunity to make at least 2 of the following decorative projects for the home: candleholders, napkin rings, hooks, decorative metal paper towel holder, or a letter opener. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor and for the weather. Shop is heated by a wood burning stove only. Bring heavy work gloves, eye protection, and a water bottle.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Blacksmithing: Items for the Home
Basics of Draft Horse DrivingLearn the basic commands for driving a team of draft horses or mules. Go through the process of harnessing and grooming a horse or mule. Practice the basic commands by doing some ground driving, and then by driving a wagon. Dress for the weather and for being on a farm around animals! Class will be held rain or shine. Bring heavy work gloves and a water bottle. Participants will also receive handouts about the basic care of horses and basic driving techniques.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Basics of Draft Horse Driving
Early native Iowans made use of Iowa’s natural food resources, as well as beginning Iowa’s agricultural traditions. Living History Farms staff will introduce the Ioway culture ca. 1700 with a visit to the 1700 Ioway Farm historic site and talk about the resources available to them both before and after European contact. Return to the Conference Center and discover the tastes of the early Native American Ioway nation. What does it mean to eat the three sisters? How is bison different from beef? What did Native Americans have for dessert? Participants will help to prepare traditional recipes and then sit down to taste several different dishes. All costs of food included in the costs of the class. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Tastes of the Ioway
Basics of Hearth CookingLearn the basics of hearth cooking, while exploring how new settlers in Iowa produced, prepared, and preserved food. Participants will use 1850s era recipes to make their lunch. While your meal is cooking, tour the 1850 Pioneer Farm. After eating their meal and cleaning up, everyone will go home with copies of recipes, and information on how to care for their cast iron cooking utensils. Dress for being on a farm, and for cooking! Part of the class will be outside while you tour the farm. Note: You will be eating your meal around 4:30, so plan accordingly.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Basics of Hearth Cooking
Intermediate Draft Horse DrivingTake the next step in your draft horse experience as you go beyond the basics! This class is ideal for the person who already has some horse experience. Learn how to drive various horse-drawn farm implements, which may include (field conditions and weather permitting) a plow, a cultivator, a surrey, and manure spreader. Small class size guarantees lots of 1-1 instruction! Remember to dress for the weather and for being on a farm around animals. Bring heavy work gloves and a water bottle. Class will be held rain or shine.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Intermediate Draft Horse Driving
Learn the basics of hand sewing, that very practical art! Designed for those who are new to handwork, students will learn the basic hand stitching skills, such as: sewing straight seams, simple hems, sewing on buttons, and how to make the most of using a thimble. This class will stress practicing stitches on muslin. Bring with you a pair of scissors suitable for cutting thread and a package of household sewing needles. Thimbles will be available for use during the class; bring your own if you have a thimble that fits securely on your middle finger. Fabric, thread, and beeswax will be provided. Students will leave with practice samples, thread, beeswax, and handout guides to simple hand sewing. All cost of materials included in cost of the class; plenty of handouts provided!
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Basics of Hand Sewing
Woodstove Cooking with KidsExplore the Victorian kitchen, while instilling a love of cooking in your kids! Learn how to read a recipe, measure and mix ingredients, and roll out dough the old-fashioned away! This basic woodstove cooking class is designed to get kids and parents/grand-parents busy in the kitchen together. Prepare a kid friendly chicken dish, macaroni and cheese, biscuits, and a sweet treat for dessert – all from scratch. Then sit down and enjoy your creations. Note: You will be eating around 11:15 a.m., so plan accordingly. You will get recipes to take home and try. Please bring aprons, water bottles, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Woodstove Cooking with Kids
This class will allow a parent/guardian and teen to work together as they learn historic blacksmithing techniques in our 1876 era blacksmith shop. Everyone will get to make several small, hands-on projects, such as small dinner triangles and hooks. Begin by learning about proper safety in a workshop environment. Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor and for the weather (shop is heated by wood-burning stove only). Bring work gloves, eye protection, and a water bottle.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 12 at 10am.
Register for Basic Blacksmithing with Teens
Get up close and hands-on with the big printing machinery in the 1876 Advocate Print Shop at Living History Farms! Choose from several historic designs and then print a set of holiday cards. Hand-set your own personal greeting for inside. Projects will be created using historic moveable type and printed on 19th century hand-powered proof and jobbing presses. Dress for an inky, artistic environment and prepare to get your hands dirty.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Printing with Teens
Hearth Cooking with TeensAlong with your teen, explore the pioneer kitchen and learn the ins and outs of open hearth cooking. Discover how heat travels in a hearth and how to make glowing coals for baking or frying. Learn the use of hanging pot hooks and see how simple cast iron pots and pans can be as versatile as your modern range at home. Perfect for teens wanting to learn campfire cooking skills! You will prepare a youth-friendly stew, cornbread and a sweet treat for dessert – all from scratch. Note: You will be eating around 10:30 a.m., so plan accordingly. Please bring aprons, water bottles, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 5 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 19 at 10am.
Register for Hearth Cooking with Teens