On Saturday, March 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve will present a tasty and informative one-of-a-kind program.
The History of Maple Syrup with Keith Bengston promises to be a sweet hands-on learning experience. Keith will start with a brief discussion on the history of maple syrup that will enlighten participants about the process of producing the popular pancake and waffle topping.
Novice attendees will be shown procedures that demonstrate native, colonial, traditional, and contemporary methods of making syrup. The methods actually involve techniques of tapping trees the old-fashioned way.
There will be tables set-up to demonstrate each of the methods with both traditional and contemporary tools of the trade, from birch bark buckets to pipeline systems of the modern sugar bush. Participants will boil down sap in both a cast iron kettle and a stainless steel evaporator, tap a tree and sample delicious maple sugar products.
The program is open to all, but due to its nature and length, it is recommended for older teens and adults. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately, as sessions will take place outdoors. Advance registration is not required, but recommended, as class size is limited. Online registration is available.
General site admission applies.
Fort Ancient is located at 6123 St. Rt. 350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054 – 513–932–4421/1–800–283–8904 Fax 513-932-4843. Fort Ancient winter hours are observed from December to March: Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: noon–5:00 p.m. *Closed Monday–Friday, except by appointment. Regular Admission $7.00 Adults, $6.00 Seniors (60+), $6.00 Students (6–17), Children under 6 and members are free. Outdoor admission (no Museum access), $8.00/Carload, Members are always Free! Visit FortAncient.org for a complete list of programs and directions.