BATH — Maine’s First Ship is set to hold its second 17th Century Foodways event and luncheon on Saturday, April 20, at the Bath Freight Shed, 27 Commercial St.

MFS — the Bath non-profit whose volunteer force has reconstructed the sailing vessel Virginia, originally built by colonists at Popham in 1607-08, brings back guests chef Sam Collins and historian Mike Dekker for the celebration.

People can explore demonstrations and displays that will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon in the boatyard outside the Freight Shed along the bank of the Kennebec River. There will be hands-on butter churning and a display of sailor’s provisions and cooking supplies. Dekker will discuss the impact that contact and trade had on the foodways of both Indigenous Americans and Europeans. Collins will be cooking over an open fire preparing a lunch featuring local ingredients.

A limited number of tickets are available for the 12:30 p.m. luncheon, when the results of the morning’s efforts will be served in the Freight Shed. The menu includes salt cod chowder or beef stew, fresh greens, fresh bread and freshly churned butter, and plum duff.

The Freight Shed is just down the street from the Waterfront Park, which hosts the Bath Farmers Market for its summer season. The market will be open in the park from 8:30 to noon.

During the winter months the market is held inside the Freight Shed and its familiar vendors are represented among the food suppliers for the event. At present confirmed are Goranson Farms, Hootenanny Bread, and Fat Friar’s Meadery. Additional suppliers include the Kennebec Meat Company.

The organization will not charge a fee to view the exhibits though it welcomes donations to support continued educational programs as well as the maintenance and operation of Virginia.

To learn more visit mfship.org or call the office at 207-443-4242.

Check out other upcoming area events!