This will be the fourth year for the Dills Tavern Workshops, specializing in early building trades. The result of three years of classes has been three stone foundations, two timber frame buildings, and one bake oven. These class projects are all located on the Dills Tavern site. This year, some of the workshops will be moved to other historic locations in Central Pennsylvania. This is a new outreach program that will offer historical societies and other non-profit organizations the opportunity to have Dills Tavern workshop classes come and erect buildings they would like to have. The historical societies get free labor, (they do, however, pay for materials). The students get to work on interesting and useful projects, and Dills Tavern raises money for its own building projects. We see it as a win, win, situation, for everyone involved. Any historical society interested in this program is encouraged to contact us.

Introduction to Open Hearth Cookery April 10 and 11
This two day beginners class will introduce you to the basics of 18th and 19th Century cooking in the historic Dills Tavern 1794 kitchen hearth. No experience is needed. Students will begin by learning to build a proper cooking fire, how to identify and use a Dutch oven, spider, pots, kettles, etc., and how to prepare a variety of foods using period cookbook recipes. Classes end with everybody's favorite, "eating". Come learn, enjoy, and be prepared for a literal "Taste of History". Anyone who completes the class will be encouraged to help cook for various festivals and celebrations held at the tavern.
Instructor: Linda Ziegler
8 student limit
Fee is $150.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Bake Oven Baking May 1 and 2
Students will use the Dills Tavern squirrel tail bake oven to bake sweet savory dishes using 18th and 19th Century recipes. In this two day hands on class, you will learn to fire and heat the bake oven and prepare and bake a variety of pies, breads, and stews. There will be plenty to sample and some to take home.
Instructor: Linda Ziegler
8 student limit
Fee is $150.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Reproducing Early Pennsylvania Stonework May 27, 28 & 29
This 2 ½ day course will familiarize students with the basic skills of stone masonry, as it was produced in the 18th and early 19th Centuries. A combination of traditional and modern stone cutting techniques will be covered. Early clay mortars will be discussed, as well as, an acceptable lime mortar substitute. This class will be building the foundation of a bake oven, for Historic Schaefferstown in Schaefferstown, Pa. The oven will be located on the historic Alexander Schaeffer Farm.
Instructor: Sam McKinney
6 student limit
Fee is $250.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Bake Oven Construction June 24, 25, 26
Students will learn how to build a traditional squirrel tail oven out of antique brick. Clay mortars, lime mortars and clay plaster coatings will all be discussed and used in the construction of this oven. This oven will be constructed for Historic Schaefferstown, on the historic Alexander Schaeffer farm.
Instructor: Sam McKinney
4 student limit
Fee is $300.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Timber Framing Addition to Dill's Tavern Wheelwright's Shop August 26, 27, & 28
A 12 foot by 27' timber frame addition will be added to the existing wheelwrights shop. The wheelwrights shop was erected in 2008 by the first timber frame class. Traditional techniques and period tools will be used to cut out the new frame. Students will learn how to lay out mortises and tenons and then cut them out. On the last day, the frame will be assembled and erected. This class is intended for beginners. It is not meant for people who already have timber framing experience.
Instructor: Sam McKinney
8 student limit
Fee is $300.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Details About the Tavern for Private Functions

1. Floor plans
2. A Maximum of 80 People Can Occupy the Interior of the Building
3. Exterior
-30x30 Brick Courtyard
-2 Acres of Flat Lawn
-Pavilion Tents Can be Used on Grassy Areas
-Up to 400 People Can Use the Exterior Areas
4. Bathrooms
Separate Summer Kitchen Building Located Behind Tavern has Modern Mens and
Women's Amenities
5. Food Preparation
-The Summer Kitchen has a Small Modern Kitchen Area
-The Modern Kitchen has a Sink, an Electric Stove and a Full-size Refrigerator
-The 1794 Walk-In Fireplace is Available for Hearth Cooking
6. Utilities Available in the Tavern Building
-Electrical Outlets are Located in Some of the Rooms
-Running Water is NOT Available in the Tavern Itself
-Lighting is Accomplished with Candles and Fireplaces
-Heating is Supplied by Fireplaces and Period 10-Plate Wood Stoves
-No air conditioning

To Reserve All or Part of the Tavern Complex or Arrange Tours: Contact Joanne Klase

717-432-2720
Email Joanne