CURRENT HOURS: CLOSED FOR GENERAL SEASON; OPEN MAY 1, 2019
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.
Registration InformationLife 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 75 minute 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 $30/person and are for adults ages 18 and up.
Date
|
Time |
Subject |
Location |
| Tuesday, February 5 | 6:15-7:30pm | Victorian Pampering Kit | Drug Store |
| Saturday, February 16 | 1:15-2:30pm | Beaded & Wrapped Flowers | Visitor Center |
| Tuesday, February 26 | 6:15-7:30pm | Carrot Soup a la Crecy & Crackers | Tangen Home |
| Tuesday, March 5 | 6:15-7:30pm | Scones & Tea | Tangen Home |
| Tuesday, March 12 | 6:15-7:30pm | SOLD OUT – Spiced Apple Tarts & Cider | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 16 | 1:15-2:30pm | Irish Bows & Cockades | Millinery |
| Tuesday, April 2 | 6:15-7:30pm | Biscuits, Gravy, and Coffee | Tangen Home |
| Tuesday, April 9 | 6:15-7:30pm | Kringla Knots & Coffee | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, April 13 | 1:00-2:30pm | SOLD OUT – Poultry Processing | 1900 Farm |
| Tuesday, April 16 | 6:15-7:30pm | Hard Boiled: Deviled Eggs & Eggs Goldenrod | Tangen Home |
| Thursday, April 18 | 6:00-7:15pm | Sausage Stuffing | 1900 Farm |
Jump to the Signature Samper Class Descriptions
These classes are for adults ages 18 and up.
Date |
Time |
Subject |
Location |
| Saturday, February 9 | 8:30-11:30am | Classic Comfort Foods | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, February 9 | 12:30-3:30pm | Death by Chocolate | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, February 9 | 5:30-7:30pm | Victorian Date Night | Flynn Mansion |
| Saturday, March 9 | 12:30-3:30pm | SOLD OUT – 19th Century Breadbaking | Tangen Home |
| Thursday, March 14 | 6:30-8:30pm | Taste of Ireland: Soda Bread & Colcannon | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 23 | 9:00am-noon | SOLD OUT – Blacksmith Basics | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, March 23 | 1:00-4:00pm | Blacksmith: Females at the Forge | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, March 23 | 1:00-4:00pm | Basics of Hand Sewing | Millinery |
| Thursday, March 28 | 6:00-8:00pm | Tastes of the Ioway: Native American Cuisine | Visitor Center |
| Saturday, March 30 | 8:30-11:30am | Cakes and Pies | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 30 | 12:30-3:30pm | Letterpress Printing | Print Shop |
| Saturday, March 30 | 1:00-4:00pm | Using Cast Iron in a Modern Kitchen | Visitor Center |
| Saturday, April 6 | 9:00am-noon | SOLD OUT – Basics of Draft Horse Driving | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, April 6 | 9:00am-noon | SOLD OUT – Blacksmithing Basics | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 6 | 1:00-4:00pm | Intermediate Draft Horse Driving | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, April 6 | 1:00-4:00pm | Blacksmithing: Items for the Home | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 13 | 9:00am-noon | Blacksmithing: Make a Boot Scraper | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 27 | 8:30-11:30am | SOLD OUT – 19th Century Breadbaking | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, April 27 | 8:30am-12:30pm | Basics of Hearth Cooking | 1850 Pioneer Farm |
| Sunday, April 28 | 8:30-11:30am | Classic Comfort Foods | Tangen Home |
Jump to the Adult Class Descriptions
These classes are for pairs of adults and children (age 7-11) or pairs of adults and teens (age 12-17).
Date |
Time |
Subject |
Location |
| Tuesday, February 12 | 6:15-7:30pm | Cupcakes & Hot Chocolate with Teens | Tangen Home |
| Thursday, March 7 | 6:15-7:30pm | SOLD OUT – Molasses-Ginger Cookies with Kids | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 23 | 9:00am-noon | Wood Stove Cooking with Kids | Tangen Home |
| Tuesday, March 26 | 6:15-7:30pm | From Scratch Corn Bread & Butter with Kids | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, April 13 | 1:15-2:30pm | Calling Card Printing with Teens | Print Shop |
| Saturday, April 27 | 1:30-4:00pm | Hearth Cooking with Kids | 1850 Pioneer Farm |
Jump to the Family Class Descriptions
Victorian Pampering KitExplore the Schaffer Drug Store and the beauty products offered to Victorian Iowans. Mix a cologne or perfume and pack a beauty bag to take home.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Victorian Pampering Kit
Beaded and Wrapped Floss FlowersCreate a French beaded flower pin and an embroidery floss three-dimensional flower in the style of Victorian Hair flowers. Afterwards enjoy the Living History Farms, “How Does Your Garden Grow” textile exhibit (separate admission required).
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Beaded & Wrapped Floss Flowers
Carrot Soup a la Crecy and Home-baked CrackersPeel, boil, and mash vegetables for a tasty traditional 19th century soup. Mix, roll out, and bake a cracker in the wood stove to go with your soup!
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Carrot Soup a la Crecy and Home-baked Crackers
Scones and TeaMix, roll out, and bake a traditional tea scone. Pair it with fruit jam and a steaming cup of tea.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Spiced Apple Tarts and Hot Cider – SOLD OUTRoll 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
This class is sold out. To be placed on a wait list, call (515)278-5286.
Irish Bows and CockadesLearn 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Irish Bows and Cockades
Biscuits, Gravy, and CoffeeBake a fluffy powder biscuit in the wood stove 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Biscuits, Gravy, & Coffee
Kringla Knots and CoffeeMake 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Kringla Knots & Coffee
Poultry Processing – SOLD OUTWhat 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. Taste, if you choose, fried livers and gizzards – a delicacy for many turn of the century farm families. Dress for being on a farm, as most of this class takes place outside.
This class is sold out. To be placed on a wait list, call (515)278-5286.
Hard Boiled: Deviled Eggs and Eggs GoldenrodMake a 19th century deviled egg recipe with butter and vinegar instead of mayonnaise. Mix up an early 20th century family favorite – Eggs a la Goldenrod – creamed boiled eggs on toast!
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Hard Boiled: Deviled Eggs and Eggs Goldenrod
Sausage StuffingAll about pork – from farm to fork! Where are the common cuts of pork found on a pig? How do you stuff a sausage? Participants will make sausages to take home, so bring a container. Dress for being on a farm, as part of the class takes place outside.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Classic Comfort FoodJoin Living History Farms staff for some “stick to your ribs” comfort food and a fresh cup of coffee. Students will learn the art of making homemade noodles and other quick comfort items at the Victorian Tangen home. Student creations will be cooked or baked on a wood stove in the 1875 period kitchen. Towards the end of class, everyone will sit down to enjoy their culinary creations. Recipes will be provided for you to try at home. Note: you will be eating at about 11am, so please plan accordingly. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Classic Comfort Food – February 9
Register for Classic Comfort Food – April 28
Death by Chocolate – Victorian StyleJoin Living History Farms staff for a sweet look at Victorian chocolate treats. Chocolate may have been less common in the 19th century, but there were still cakes, sauces, and other delicious chocolaty treats to be had. After creating several of these treats, sit down to enjoy them with fellow classmates. Compare historic hot chocolate recipes with modern flavors. Taste test chocolate types to find your dark chocolate tolerance. Consider chocolate pairings such as fruit sauces and whipped cream! Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Death by Chocolate
Victorian Date NightExperience the romance of the Victorian era in this class! Join Living History Farms staff for a Victorian Date Night at the 1875 era Tangen Home. Class is designed for courting couples whether you’re 20 or 50 or 80 – or pairs of sentimental friends or family members. Explore tastes and appetizer bites of foods considered to be aphrodisiacs through history. Design and paste together vintage-style valentine cards and write “Penny Dreadful” poems for each other to go inside. Enjoy chaperoned parlor games with <gasp> kissing forfeits! Practice sending secret love messages with fan flirting, gloves, and flowers. Take a light-hearted look at proper Victorian courting etiquette – and go home with advice from famous love letters and historic sources.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Victorian Date Night
19th Century Bread Baking – SOLD OUTDo you need a refresher course on making bread from scratch? Would you like to try baking in a wood burning stove? If so, try your hand at biscuits, yeast bread, and cinnamon rolls in an 1875 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 type of family that would have lived there. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
These classes are sold out. To be placed on a wait list, call (515)278-5286.
A Taste of Ireland: Irish Soda Bread and ColcannonBake a traditional Irish Soda Bread to eat with the famous potato and cabbage dish, Colcannon. Cook up some sausage to top it all off. Discover why the Irish in Ireland do NOT eat corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Blacksmithing Basics – SOLD OUTThe 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.
These classes are sold out. To be placed on a wait list, call (515)278-5286.
Blacksmithing: Females at the ForgeNever been in a blacksmith shop? No problem! As you learn you will be making decorative items for use in your home. Explore the basic techniques and tools used to do blacksmithing. Topics will include safety, tools and equipment, and beginning techniques for working with metal around a forge. 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Females at the Forge
Basics of Hand SewingLearn 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. Thimble 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 costs of materials are included in the cost of the class and plenty of handouts will be provided!
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Basics of Hand Sewing
Tastes of the Ioway! Native American Culinary AdventuresBack by popular request! 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 and talk about the resources available to them both before and after European contact. Discover the tastes of the early Native American Ioway nation. Some tastes will appeal and some will challenge our modern palate. Could you eat Pemmican during a hunting trip? What about dried bison meat? Pumpkin stew? Participants will help to prepare traditional recipes and then sit down to taste several different dishes while exploring the cooking pots and utensils used by Native Tribes. 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Tastes of the Ioway
Cake and PiesHave 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 sit down about 11am to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Recipes are included! Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Basics of Letterpress Printing for AdultsRoll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty! Discover the design and feel of letterpress printing in the 1875 Advocate Newspaper Print Shop at Living History Farms! Experience hand-set type setting and learn the “lay of the printer’s case”. Participants will create a 19th century style handbill incorporating a Victorian illustration engraving. Projects will be printed on hand-powered proof and jobbing presses! Bring a water bottle and dress for an inky workshop.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Basics of Letterpress Printing for Adults
Using Black Cast Iron in a Modern KitchenVirtually indestructable, cast iron cookware was a staple of 19th century kitchens. The original non-stick pan, a well-cared for cast iron skillet is one of the most versatile tools in any kitchen, including a modern one. Come learn how to make use of your great-grandma’s skillets and kettles on your gas or electric stove. You will explore different cooking techniques while baking cornbread, braising and searing meats, making gravy, roasting and steaming seasonal vegetables, and frying some delicious fritters. Enjoy the dinner you’ve prepared and learn how to properly season and care for your cast iron items. And if you have a favorite piece of cast iron cookware, such as a piece that belonged to your ancestors, bring it along to share! This class will be taught in a modern kitchen. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Cast Iron in a Modern Kitchen
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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Blacksmithing: Items for the Home
Basics of Draft Horse Driving – SOLD OUTLearn 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. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and driving time! Dress for the weather and for being around farm animals. Class will be held rain or shine. Participants will also receive handouts about the basic care of horses and basic driving techniques. Bring work gloves and a water bottle.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
This class is sold out. To be placed on a wait list, call (515)278-5286.
Take 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 one-on-one instruction and driving time! Dress for the weather and for being around farm animals. Class will be held rain or shine. Participants will also receive handouts about the basic care of horses and basic driving techniques. Bring work gloves and a water bottle.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Intermediate Draft Horse Driving
Blacksmithing: Make a Boot ScraperEvery 19th century farm house had a boot scraper next to the porch to remove unwanted mud before entering the house. Even if you don’t have a farm, a boot scraper is still a handy item next to the back door. Students will have the opportunity to forge a useful boot scraper, while learning metal working skills in our 1875 blacksmith. Helpful if you have taken a blacksmithing basics course. 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Blacksmithing: Make a Boot Scraper
Basics of Pioneer 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 your 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. Bring an apron, water bottle, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Basic Pioneer Hearth Cooking
Cupcakes and Hot Chocolate with TeensIn 1875, chocolate for drinking and cupcake batters were measured using a tea cup, and could even be baked in one! Enjoy a traditional cup cake recipe with a cup of homemade hot chocolate warmed on the wood stove.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Cupcakes & Hot Chocolate with Teens
Molasses-Ginger Cookies with Kids – SOLD OUTMolasses and ginger spice were more popular than cocoa and vanilla in the 19th century. Rediscover these flavors in wood stove baked cookies.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
This class is sold out. To be placed on a wait list, call (515)278-5286.
Explore 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 way! This basic wood stove cooking class is designed to get kids and parents/grandparents 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. You’ll get recipes to take home and try! Note: your will be eating around 11:30am, so please plan accordingly. Bring aprons, water bottles, and containers to take home any leftovers.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Wood Stove Cooking with Kids
Scratch Cornbread & Home Churned Butter with KidsDiscover why cornbread is always better baked in cast iron! Mix this pioneer staple and churn your own butter while it bakes.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Scratch Cornbread & Home Churned Butter with Kids
Calling Card Printing with TeensBefore 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 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.
Register for Calling Card Printing with Teens
Hearth Cooking with KidsExplore the pioneer kitchen, while cooking with your kids! Learn how heat travels in a hearth, and what pots and pans were available to an Iowa pioneer. This basic cooking class is designed to get kids and parents/grandparents busy in the pioneer kitchen together. Prepare a kid-friendly stew from scratch, along with cornbread, and a sweet treat for dessert. Along the way, learn about how pioneers in Iowa raised crops and livestock for food for themselves and other Iowans. Note: you will be eating around 3:30pm, so please plan accordingly. Bring aprons, water bottles, and containers to take home any leftovers. Dress for outdoor spring conditions on a farm.
Member registration for these classes opens December 11 at 10am. Registration opens for the general public on December 18 at 10am.