(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) — Hancock Shaker Village will present a Shaker Farm-to-Table Dinner on Thursday, June 16, 2001, to benefit the living history museum’s agricultural education programs. Guest chefs from Mezze Restaurant Group, Mission Bar + Tapas, Red Lion Inn, Route 7 Grill, and Savory Harvest Catering will celebrate the beauty and bounty of the Shaker gardens with a menu inspired by Amy Bess Miller’s classic cookbook, The Best of Shaker Cooking. The meal will be savored on historic Shaker grounds, steps away from the famous Round Stone Barn. The gardens and barn will open at 6 for informal tours and exploration, followed by dinner at 7.

Each chef will add his or her own modern twist to the traditional recipes. The evening will begin with local cheeses, crudités, and Strawberry Smash cocktails. A main course buffet will feature grilled lamb patties and local pork seasoned with herbs from the Village gardens, as well as Shaker chicken fricassee, baked beans, and corn bread. There will also be creamed radishes, ginger beets, braised greens, hot potato salad, and both cheese and tomato puddings. A rhubarb dessert, topped with SoCo Creamery ice cream, will complete the meal.

“Farming was at the heart of the Shaker community at Hancock,” said Peter Hansen, interim director of the Village. “As the stewards of their land, we continue their tradition of sustainable agriculture through our heirloom vegetable and herb gardens, livestock, and seed saving program. Our farm programming is an excellent vehicle for educating children about the farm-to-table process.”

Hancock Shaker Village educates over 70,000 children and families each year through informal learning and curriculum-based programs for schools and teachers. This special benefit dinner will serve as the catalyst for a significant upgrade to the Village Children’s Discovery Room and allow for an expansion of agricultural education offerings to schools, including teacher professional development and curriculum development.

Tickets are $90 for Hancock Shaker Village members and CSA shareholders and $100 for others. For reservations, call 413-443-0188 x203.