Programs

Laura does various programs focused on Women's History, Foodways, and much more. She has traveled several states giving various programs and classes. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and is happy to share no matter the weather!

Each program is about an hour long and includes a Q&A session, excluding cooking demos and dinners. However, programs can be extended for the needs of the group. All of the programs below have varying costs depending on what is requested. Most hour-long programs start out at $250, and go up from their depending on their length. Cooking Classes/Demos and Dinners are a different price range that can be discussed during initial discussions and cannot be assessed until Laura knows what is exactly expected of her.

The Worth of a Plate

This program dives into the deeper connection with food in the 18th century, that it was more than just food on a plate. It was a socioeconomic and familial pressure that was put on the women. Everything from stocking the larder, to producing the foods, and how the tables was set could make or break her reputation and that of generations to come. This program dives into these complex issues and teaches it was more than just food.

Out from the Hearth

In this first-person narrative we meet Elizabeth Cameron, who shares what it is like to be an 18th century woman outside of the home. Everything from education, laws, marriages and what the neighbor heard from their aunt in Boston is discussed. This is an interesting look at women's lives disconnected from the home.

Tales from the Trail

In the 18th century one of the modes of transportation was walking. This program discusses the dos, don'ts, and surprises of 18th century trekking (backpacking). Along with the documentation, gear, and tails from recreating the trek into the Trans Appalachian Frontier of the 18th century.

Wedged Between Two Armies

Follow the War in real time. Sit and listen as Jane Mendenhall discusses the challenges that she is facing in this uncertain time. Not only will you hear about her struggle to choose which side she will be part of, but the everyday struggles of her family as the war goes on around them and they just try to make it till tomorrow. You'll hear accounts of battles not just between armies, but between neighbors, families and life in general as the Colonies spiral towards an unknown future.

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Shadows in the Forest

Everyone remembers Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton. But we hardly remember the ladies when it comes to talking about the 18th century frontier. Lost in foot notes if remembered at all these women worked and survived alongside the men. They thrived, survived, lost, mourned, worked, raised families, and watched as the nation grew and changed. Come listen as Laura Denney talks about what it is like to be on the 18th century frontier and how these women shaped our nation into what it is today.

Portraying the Past: Creating Historical Characters

A course for anyone interested in creating characters, whether for a historical site, event, or just for fun. Whether you are wanting to recreate someone famous from history or an everyday person; the who, what, where, when and why are gone over. As well as the pros and cons of the different characters, and the many pitfalls that can happen when you do a deep dive into history. Along with research tips, tricks, and helpful hints.

Site Specific Programs

Laura is more than happy to create a separate program for sites, groups or events that are not covered above. They can be site specific, event specific, or subject specific. If you want to book Laura for one of these programs you will need to give her a year in advance notice so that she can adequately create the program you have requested.

Cooking Classes/Demos

Laura offers several cooking classes whether for a beginner or for someone who has cooked over a hearth for years. This is a hands on program that gets everyone who wants to be involved, involved, and at the end of the day everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labors. She also can do demonstrations of cooking where she shows how cooking was done along with a discussion of what it was like to cook in the 18th century with food history. (Must be at least 16 to participate in the cooking classes.)

Historical Dinners

Laura offers for sites and groups to hire her to prepare period appropriate dinners for small or large groups. Whether for a holiday or for site/group fundraiser these are always a hit wherever she travels and prepares dinner. She has experience in feeding over a hundred people for Christmas and preparing the meal all over the open Hearth. If you wish to hire her for this, she needs at least 6 months advance notice to be able prepare an adequate menu. To book her please call her to set up arrangements.