Open-Hearth Cooking and Living History

Living history interpreter and cook, Clarissa Clifton, demonstrates open-hearth cooking using recipes from both African traditions and known Black female cooks, including Abigail Fisher, Flora Mae Hunter, and Mashama Bailey. Clarissa explains the methods of cooking over an open fire using traditional cast iron cookware. Please note that this is for educational demonstration purposes only. Visitors may not participate or taste food due to safety concerns at this time. Demonstrations are offered free to the public and located in the Cookhouse behind the historic house museum.

Clarissa Clifton is a long-term living history interpreter and open-hearth cooking expert. She shares and cooks seasonal recipes, often inspired by what's growing in the Smith garden, walking visitors through the methods of cooking over an open fire with use of traditional cast iron cookware and tools.