Traditional Seeds: Our Past, Present, and Future

Instructor: Dr. William Woys Weaver

Part 1: Exploration of Native American Seeds and Their Impact on America – Powerpoint presentation. Native American seeds, from tomatoes and potatoes to beans and corn (and other seeds) have spread across the globe and entered into hundreds of cuisines and cultures. These types of plants (and even flowers) all originated from Native peoples across the Americas. We will review these vital plants as well as briefly look into their culinary impacts on global foods. We’ll also discuss what Native peoples grew within the borders of Pennsylvania.
Part 2: Round table discussion – bring your questions!
Part 3: Three Sisters Gardening – Powerpoint presentation. This lecture will discuss the highly regarded and classic nature of utilizing corn, beans, and squash together to create a nutritional and horticultural method used by Native Americans for centuries. Highly adaptable, this method is a home gardener’s friend which we will explore alongside possible Three Sister garden planning, how it evolved to become a staple agricultural method across the Americas, and varieties that can be used.

Bring a notebook and pencil/pen. This class will be held on the same day as Dr. Weaver’s other talk, Seeds to Table: Pennsylvania Dutch Foods and Foodways 1700-2019. Those who purchase both classes will receive a free box lunch.

Register online or download our registration form and return with payment. Register online or download our registration form and return with payment. Cancellation policy: All materials must be pre-purchased by the instructor, therefore cancellations can only be refunded prior to February 4 (sales-end date). Refunds requested before that time will be issued, less a $20 non-refundable processing fee. We reserve the right to cancel a class due to insufficient registration. In that case, students can me another choice or receive a full refund.