Teaching Colonial Virginia History with Food

Even George and Martha Washington, arguably the wealthiest people in Virginia, had to make careful planting, growing, harvesting, and preservation decisions to make sure there was food, shelter, and clothing enough for them, their guests, and the enslaved people that lived and labored on the on the Mount Vernon estate season after season.

Food production and preservation techniques are illustrative ways to show the challenge of surviving the 18th century. Use the links below to provide sources and expertise on 18th century food production, preservation and dining techniques in colonial Virginia. Many recipes and foodstuff are readily available at stores today or is already being served in the school cafeteria (ex: corn).  If school policies limit your ability to create or consume colonial food, students will still relate to the imperative nature of food for surviving.