Soap making has a fascinating history extending back to the founding of our country. Nichole Gerding, of Thankful Sage Farm School, shares her knowledge of both modern and ancient techniques, including the role of lye, saponification, and proper curing methods, and then demonstrates making cold process soap from start to finish. Everyone will get hands-on experience making a melt-and-pour soap that includes natural and local botanicals. Leave with a few bars of cold process soap and some simple recipes you can try at home. 

All materials are included in the registration fee.

Fee: $35 

Soap making has a fascinating history extending back to the founding of our country. Nichole Gerding, of Thankful Sage Farm School, shares her knowledge of both modern and ancient techniques, including the role of lye, saponification, and proper curing methods, and then demonstrates making cold process soap from start to finish. Everyone will get hands-on experience making a melt-and-pour soap that includes natural and local botanicals. Leave with a few bars of cold process soap and some simple recipes you can try at home. 

All materials are included in the registration fee.   

Fee: $35

Nichole Gerding discusses historic uses of dyes, identifying and responsibly harvesting local dye-producing plants, and how to kick-start your own dye garden. Preparation and dyeing techniques using natural mordants and modifiers are presented. Try your hand at these heritage skills and leave with two hand-dyed tea towels.

Fee: $45

Brush away cold-weather blues and celebrate the arrival of spring the 18th century way!  Our Annual Colonial Mayfair features living history demonstrations where visitors of all ages can learn exciting historic trades and a marketplace where visitors can explore and purchase great colonial inspired items, but that's not all!

Start your day by joining in the dance around the festive Maypole to kick off the celebration.  Laugh until your sides hurt with an 18th century puppet theater, and be sure not to miss the amazing acts of wonder by the colonial magician.  Stop by our tasting tent to try local beer and colonial cider (Ages 21+).  Our tasting tent will also feature Craft soda and 18th century tea, coffee, and chocolate for visitors of all ages!    

PARKING DETAILS
FREE visitor parking is located at Pottstown Memorial Park, 75 West King Street, across from the Pottstown Carousel.  A free shuttle will be available to take guests to Pottsgrove Manor.

Join us for this exciting celebration of Spring!

SUGGESTED DONATION: 

$2 per person.

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

April

What: “That’s my Jam”

Imagine only eating what you set aside and preserved for the winter. Well, its time for our earliest garden crops to come to the rescue! We will be discussing the earliest foods of the year and try our own hand at making a sweet strawberry preserve- with the help of some the earliest cookbooks! All materials supplied.

When:   Tuesday, 4/21  1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

April

What: “That’s my Jam”

Imagine only eating what you set aside and preserved for the winter. Well, its time for our earliest garden crops to come to the rescue! We will be discussing the earliest foods of the year and try our own hand at making a sweet strawberry preserve- with the help of some the earliest cookbooks! All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 4/20  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 4/21  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

April

What: “That’s my Jam”

Imagine only eating what you set aside and preserved for the winter. Well, its time for our earliest garden crops to come to the rescue! We will be discussing the earliest foods of the year and try our own hand at making a sweet strawberry preserve- with the help of some the earliest cookbooks! All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 4/20  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 4/21  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

March

What: “Planning the Natural Dye Garden”

Hoping to get ahead and make a solid plan for your dye garden? We will be discussing the common plants, their colors, and their needs in a garden (or potted plant space). Our class hands-on activity will be charting out your small garden space and planting prepared seeds to take home. All materials supplied.

When: Tuesday, 3/17  1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

We are offering two options for classes- a Monday evening session which allows older children (12 and up) to join their parent/guardian (please note, we cannot be responsible for your child) and an adults only Tuesday morning session. 

*PLEASE NOTE- there is now a Tuesday afternoon drop-off class option for homeschool teens (12 and up) in a separate listing

March

What: “Planning the Natural Dye Garden”

Hoping to get ahead and make a solid plan for your dye garden? We will be discussing the common plants, their colors, and their needs in a garden (or potted plant space). Our class hands-on activity will be charting out your small garden space and planting prepared seeds to take home. All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 3/16  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 3/17  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

What: “Planning the Natural Dye Garden”

Hoping to get ahead and make a solid plan for your dye garden? We will be discussing the common plants, their colors, and their needs in a garden (or potted plant space). Our class hands-on activity will be charting out your small garden space and planting prepared seeds to take home. All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 3/16  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 3/17  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

February

What: “Sugarbush”

Maple syrup has roots older than the colonies themselves. We will be discussing early lore, customs, and the process of making maple syrup AND try our hand at cooking down our own sap gathered in Tyler State Park. All materials supplied. Dress warm, as we will be cooking down the sap outdoors.

When: Tuesday, 2/11  1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Image by Phoebe Wahl, our favorite artist. You can find more of her work HERE.

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

February

What: “Sugarbush”

Maple syrup has roots older than the colonies themselves. We will be discussing early lore, customs, and the process of making maple syrup AND try our hand at cooking down our own sap gathered in Tyler State Park. All materials supplied. Dress warm, as we will be cooking down the sap outdoors.

When: Monday, 2/10  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 2/11  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Image by Phoebe Wahl, our favorite artist. You can find more of her work HERE.

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

February

What: “Sugarbush”

Maple syrup has roots older than the colonies themselves. We will be discussing early lore, customs, and the process of making maple syrup AND try our hand at cooking down our own sap gathered in Tyler State Park. All materials supplied. Dress warm, as we will be cooking down the sap outdoors.

When: Monday, 2/10  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 2/11  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Image by Phoebe Wahl, our favorite artist. You can find more of her work HERE.

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

January

What: “Summer Winters and Winter Summers”

Explore how early colonists prepared for, survived, and made merry during the dark cold months of winter! Receipts for early libations, games and handcrafts will also be discussed. Our hands-on activity will be making a pair of mittens, repurposed from old sweaters and woolens. All materials provided.

When: Tuesday, 1/14  1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

January

What: “Summer Winters and Winter Summers”

Explore how early colonists prepared for, survived, and made merry during the dark cold months of winter! Receipts for early libations, games and handcrafts will also be discussed. Our hands-on activity will be making a pair of mittens, repurposed from old sweaters and woolens. All materials provided.

When: Monday, 1/13  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 1/14  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

January

What: “Summer Winters and Winter Summers”

Explore how early colonists prepared for, survived, and made merry during the dark cold months of winter! Receipts for early libations, games and handcrafts will also be discussed. Our hands-on activity will be making a pair of mittens, repurposed from old sweaters and woolens. All materials provided.

When: Monday, 1/13  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 1/14  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Candle making is a craft as old as civilization itself. Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School discusses the history, tools, and common early methods of candle making and demonstrates how to make small batch beeswax candles scented with our native bayberry. Carry on the early American custom of burning bayberry candles for prosperity with your own handcrafted pair.

$39.00

Candle making is a craft as old as civilization itself. Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School discusses the history, tools, and common early methods of candle making and demonstrates how to make small batch beeswax candles scented with our native bayberry. Carry on the early American custom of burning bayberry candles for prosperity with your own handcrafted pair.
Fee: $39.00

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

December

What: “Gingerbread”

Do you love gingerbread? So did early America! In this class, we will be looking at early gingerbread molds, English and American customs, and using 18th century receipts to make our own delicious spicy gingerbread! All materials supplied. (bring appetite.)

When: Tuesday, 12/10  1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

December

What: “Gingerbread”

Do you love gingerbread? So did early America! In this class, we will be looking at early gingerbread molds, English and American customs, and using 18th century receipts to make our own delicious spicy gingerbread! All materials supplied. (bring appetite.)

When: Monday, 12/9  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 12/10  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

December

What: “Gingerbread”

Do you love gingerbread? So did early America! In this class, we will be looking at early gingerbread molds, English and American customs, and using 18th century receipts to make our own delicious spicy gingerbread! All materials supplied. (bring appetite.)

When: Monday, 12/9  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 12/10  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

November

What: “Early Folk Medicine”

Find out the most common ways that early Pennsylvanians treated ailments while planning and building your own home apothecary. Each person will be given a booklet of common garden vegetables, herbs, and fruits listed with their medical uses.  Our hands-on activity will be working on a calendula salve to take home. All materials supplied.

When:  Tuesday, 11/26 1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

November

What: “Early Folk Medicine”

Find out the most common ways that early Pennsylvanians treated ailments while planning and building your own home apothecary. Each person will be given a booklet of common garden vegetables, herbs, and fruits listed with their medical uses.  Our hands-on activity will be working on a calendula salve to take home. All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 11/25  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 11/26 10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

November

What: “Early Folk Medicine”

Find out the most common ways that early Pennsylvanians treated ailments while planning and building your own home apothecary. Each person will be given a booklet of common garden vegetables, herbs, and fruits listed with their medical uses.  Our hands-on activity will be working on a calendula salve to take home. All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 11/25  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 11/26 10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

           Tuesday- Adults only please

Fire cider is a digestive tonic traditionally made in the fall season and used as a cold and flu preventative. It derives its name from the combination of wild-collected natural ingredients, including spicy roots, fruit, and hardy herbs, balanced with lemons and honey. Get hands-on experience preparing the ingredients while Nichole discusses folk medicine in early America. Take home a quart of fire cider to keep you warm and well this winter.

Fee: $35.00

Registration Required. Nichole Gerding from Thankful Sage Farm School will be here to teach you the recipes and techniques for both cold process (lye based) and pour-and-mold soaps! Nichole uses her knowledge of early American domestic skills and simple and time tested methods to make organic small batch soaps, heritage candles, and beeswax products. She enjoys integrating the past into the present and sharing her skills through her classes and products.

Everyone will get hands-on, making melt-and-pour soaps that you’ll be able to personalize with herbs, botanicals, and essential oils. Nichole will also demonstrate how to make a traditional lye based soap. You’ll get a bar of each to take home!

You can find out more about Thankful Sage Farm School here.

Fee: $35.00

PLEASE NOTE: Cancellations within 72 hours of the start of class are nonrefundable or transferable. Workshop refunds and transfers requested earlier than 72 hours before the class start time will be charged a $5.00 processing fee. 

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

October

What:  “The Heirloom Apple”

We will be discussing heirloom apples, their propagation, history and early receipts (recipes). Our class hands-on activity will be pressing cider with local fresh apples. All materials supplied.

When:  Tuesday, 10/22  1pm-2pm

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

October

What:  “The Heirloom Apple”

We will be discussing heirloom apples, their propagation, history and early receipts (recipes). Our class hands-on activity will be pressing cider with local fresh apples. All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 10/21  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 10/22  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

        Tuesday- Adults only please

Come to learn a new/old skill! 

Tyler State Park is partnering with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School to bring you ‘Hands-On Heritage.’

In each of these programs, we will discuss local history in context of the season, and try our hand at some heritage skills to take home to share with our families.  

October

What:  “The Heirloom Apple”

We will be discussing heirloom apples, their propagation, history and early receipts (recipes). Our class hands-on activity will be pressing cider with local fresh apples. All materials supplied.

When: Monday, 10/21  6-7:30 pm

            Tuesday, 10/22  10-11:30am

Where: The Classroom at Tyler State Park 

Who: Monday- 12 and Up when accompanied by Adult

        Tuesday- Adults only please

Registration Required. Fire Cider is a tonic that is traditionally made in the fall season, most notably used as a cold & flu preventative. It’s an old folk medicine, a digestive tonic, aiding in proper digestion and to promote circulation. This vinegar based infusion gets its name from it’s wild combination of ingredients that includes ginger, horseradish, jalapenos balanced with lemons, rosemary, turmeric and honey. This is a great time of year to gather the spicy roots, fruit and hardy herbs for this preparation so you can use them throughout the winter and spring. Makes a great gift too!

Everyone will get hands-on preparing the ingredients while our instructor, Nichole Gerding will discuss the simplicity and benefits of vinegar infusions and variations for your herbal medicine cabinet. You’ll make a quart of fire cider to take home along with the recipe.

Nichole’s background is in Early American Domestic skills. For most of her life, it has been Nichole’s goal to integrate the past into the present and educate the public on these skills. This lead to the creation of her business, Thankful Sage Farm School. For the past 7 years, Nichole has used her business to manufacture organic small batch soaps, heritage candles, and beeswax products using simple and time tested methods. You can find out more about Thankful Sage Farm School here.”

Fee: $35.00

PLEASE NOTE: Cancellations within 72 hours of the start of class are nonrefundable or transferable. Workshop refunds and transfers requested earlier than 72 hours before the class start time will be charged a $5.00 processing fee.