Country doctor museum explores the health
benefits—and more—of a common lawn “weed.”
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TAMWORTH VILLAGE, NH, MAY 10, 2019:
On Saturday, May 18, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth Village will be celebrating what some might consider a common weed: the dandelion. On that day, the museum will hold their second annual Dandelion Festival from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., an event that enthusiastically explores the wonders of this often-misunderstood plant. Through indoor and outdoor exhibits, tastings, demonstrations and more, the event will educate visitors on the various ways in which the dandelion has been a valued staple throughout human history.
Tastings of dandelion-enriched foods and products are the main—and perhaps most unexpected—feature of the day. Dandelion jelly, fritters, pesto and wine, and dandelion flower honey, will allow festival goers to learn flavor qualities of the plant.
At several exhibit locations in the Museum Center, visitors can explore some of the healthful benefits of the dandelion. Samplings of cordial and bitters at the Apothecary, root beer at the Soda Fountain, and tea in the Hearth Room—where there will also be a cooking demonstration—will provide insights into why the dandelion's by-products were once a typical staple in the medicine chest of many homes. At the Drug Store, dandelion cosmetics will be presented and can be tried by the public.
The exhibit “Dandelions: Weed or Wonder?,” curated by the museum’s curator, Faithe Miller Lakowicz, explores many aspects of the plant. Visitors will learn about its curious biology, its place in the wider ecosystem, and its various uses—as food, medicine, poetic inspiration and more—from ancient times to the present. An interactive “flip-up” portion of the exhibit exposes imposter plants and how to ID them.
“We’re really looking forward to our second Dandelion Festival,” said museum educator and herbalist Carol Felice. “It’s an engaging and fun event, where people of all ages can learn about an amazing plant and awaken their curiosity to the many incredible plants that grow all around us.”
Across the museum grounds, additional activities include viewing a live beehive, outdoor yoga, monoprint making, a hands-on watershed model and dipping for pond critters, a dandelion temporary tattoo station, soap making and plant dyeing demonstrations, dandelion-themed crafts and more. Visitors are invited to enjoy the grounds and trails and visit with the museum's farm animals at their leisure.
Some of the day's offerings occur at scheduled times. Visit the museum's website for a complete listing of planned activities, times, participating vendors, exhibitors and artists.
“It’s such a sunny, uplifting and surprising plant. We invite everyone to come on out to learn about dandelions and celebrate with us,” said Felice.
Dandelion products, bee products and lunch items are for sale while supplies last.
The cost for the event is $10.00, $5.00 for children ages 5-10, and free for children ages 4 and younger. Members receive a $2.00 discount. The event will take place rain or shine.
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IMAGE CAPTION (TOP):
Each spring dandelions pop up across the Remick Museum grounds, including the especially appropriate spot of the herb garden.
Other images available upon request.
