We are Hearth Cook and Food Historians who use old recipes from Cookbooks of the 1800s. For the last quarter century we have searched the archives and have found bits and pieces about the daily lives of people both well-known and ordinary as it relates to foodways history. More recently we have made foodways presentations to various historical societies, the WV Museum Association, and Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park audiences. We have taught beginners Hearth Cooking and done hearth-cooking demos at Fort New Salem.

In 2015, the Hartleys were recognized as West Virginia History Heroes by the WV Division of Culture and History for their contributions as food historians and authors of The Frontier Table.

The Hartleys

Photo by Karla Witt Ford

Martha:             

• Hearth Cook & Volunteer Docent
• Cooks in “Four Centuries”
• Retired Educator
• BS & MS in Home Economics with Classes in Heritage Education
• Active in Foodways History Educational Workshops at Living History Sites
• National ALHFAM Presenter – 2011

•  TV segment for WV Dept. Natural Resources – Dec. 2014 on Wild Game Cookery  "WV Wildlife Shows" visit http://www.wchstv.com/news/features/west-virginia-wildlife/

Richard:    

• Volunteer Docent & Hearth Cook
• Retired Extension 4-H Agent
• Developed Youth Cultural History Curriculum
• Taught Heritage Education for Youth & Adults
• Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute Graduate
• BS & MS in Agriculture; EdD in Education
• National ALHFAM Presenter – 2011

As West Virginia natives we love this place we call home with its rich cultural heritage. We embrace life-long learning. To check out Foodways Presentations and Hearth Cooking Demos that Martha and Dick are doing click here.  The Hartleys also built and operate Log House Homestead B & B

Now Available

Click Here: To watch a Video Lesson by the Authors