Seasonal Cooking at Oakley House

Step into Oakley House’s historic kitchen and experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of the early 19th century during a special Seasonal Cooking demonstration at Audubon State Historic Site.

Join Ranger Matthew for an ongoing cooking demonstration that brings Oakley’s early years to life. Using the kitchen’s original fireplace, he will demonstrate traditional cooking methods and share how meals were prepared before modern appliances and conveniences became part of everyday life.

This fall demonstration will focus on seasonal recipes that would have been prepared and served at Oakley House, incorporating ingredients harvested from the site’s kitchen garden. Visitors can learn about the foods, techniques, and traditions of the period while seeing firsthand how a historic kitchen operated.

Stop in throughout the day to watch the cooking process, ask questions, and discover how fresh, seasonal ingredients were transformed into meals using the tools and methods available in the early 1800s. It’s a unique opportunity to experience history through more than just what you see—you’ll also hear the crackle of the fireplace and smell the foods being prepared as Oakley’s historic kitchen comes to life.

There is no additional charge for the cooking demonstration. Regular site admission fees apply.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Audubon State Historic Site – Oakley House
For more information: 225-635-3739