"Cooking in Beehive Ovens," the third in the Newburyport Preservation Trust's "Do It Ye Self" series, will be held Saturday, February 20, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at 6 Independent Street, Newburyport.
Historic fireplace expert Richard Irons presents the program, which includes an overview of brick oven construction; the evolution of beehive ovens in New England; an explanation of how the oven works; and a real-time cooking demonstration --- with hands-on participation. And unlike previous "Do It Ye Self" programs on restoring windows and repairing rotten wood, participants this month get to taste the results!.
This month's venue, a restored Georgian home (c. 1725) with a fireplace and oven just right for the presentation, was generously volunteered for the event by the owners, supportive members of the Newburyport Preservation Trust..
The presenter, restoration mason Richard Irons of Limerick, Maine, has worked on historic houses and museum properties throughout the northeast U.S. for more than 40 years. In his decades of immersion in "old house masonry," he developed the skill of "reading" bricks and mortar for clues, enabling him to discover and reveal long-hidden masonry treasures like bake ovens, set kettles, and meat smokers. In addition to being a sought-after craftsman, he has been a program presenter for numerous history and preservation organizations.
Registration for the two-hour "Cooking in Beehive Ovens" program is just $15.00 per person. Registration is limited to 18 attendees. Register in advance at the "Events" page of the Newburyport Preservation Trust website: www.nbptpreservationtrust.org. For additional information, contact "Do It Ye Self" program coordinator Matt Blanchette at 978-697-5135 (email: bchette@gmail.com).
