Wyck Historic House And Garden

Learn about Philadelphia's tree species, learn how to identify them, and create a leaf print of one of your favorite tress!Join arborist and urban forester Jehane Samaha to learn your trees! We will discuss common tree species in Philadelphia, practice using dichotomous keys to figure out mystery trees, and learn patterns across tree families. Each participant will have the opportunity to make a beautiful leaf print of one favorite tree. If desired, bring photos, leaves, and twigs of woody plants for the group to identify together.This workshop will take place at Wyck (6026 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144). We will

Join the Young Friends of Wyck to learn about bee boxes and make some for Wyck's native bee population!This is a small event hosted by the Young Friends of Wyck where participants will learn about native bees, bee boxes, and their impact on the environment! Using all-natural, recyclable materials, we'll create bee boxes to support the native bee populations that frequent Wyck. The bee boxes will be kept at Wyck, but participants are welcome to bring their own materials (empty tissue boxes, paper towel tubes, or small shipping boxes) to create their own bee boxes to take home!This is a

This workshop will teach participants a method of fermentation and discuss the benefits of food preservation!In this class, local food preservation expert April McGreger will show us how to use one of the world's oldest and simplest methods of preserving foods, lactic-acid fermentation, to turn our garden’s bounty into crunchy pickled vegetables and vibrant salads that will last for many months without canning. We will utilize a small batch method of fermenting by the pint or quart, which requires no special equipment and makes this the perfect preservation method for beginners. We’ll discuss the long history of fermented foods, how

Learn about the culture of the Georgia Sea Islands that have retained its West African roots since the 1700s and its Philadelphia links.The Gullah and Geechee culture on the Sea Islands of Georgia has retained ethnic traditions from West Africa since the mid-1700s. Although the islands along the Southeastern U.S. coast harbor the same collective of West Africans, the name Gullah has come to be the accepted name of the islanders in South Carolina, while Geechee refers to the islanders of Georgia.Many traditions of the Gullah and Geechee culture were passed from one generation to the next through language, agriculture

What in the world are Tussie-Mussies? Explore the history of these bouquets of herbs and flowers and leave with a unique tussie-mussie!The gathering of handfuls of herbs into tight little handheld bouquets is probably as old as human history. In the Middle Ages the bouquets were called tussie-mussies and were carried to fend off disease. They were not very effective in preventing disease, but they did smell better than the Middle Ages did. Later on the Victorians called them posies and used them to send messages. They devised a complicated language for flowers and herbs in which each had a

Roses are notoriously difficult to propagate -- learn some tips and techniques from Wyck's Rosarian and help propagate our historic roses!Participants will help the Rosarian propagate antique roses and reblooming climbing roses by preparing softwood rose cuttings for the greenhouse. Participants will receive one softwood cutting of their choosing to take home. All materials will be provided, but if you have leather or rubber rose gloves, we recommend bringing them with you!This workshop will take place at Wyck (6026 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144). We will gather in the education building next to the Walnut Lane entrance.

This workshop will explore the art of botanical illustrations and participants will create their own -- using Wyck's garden as inspiration!Botanical Illustrations are not just trendy wall art! If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful and functional form of art, come to this workshop to learn how each drawing also tells a story of the natural world, and they can even tell you a bit about the artist. These drawings and paintings can tell you whether or not the artist was interested in the form of the plant in the garden, or the function of the plant's

Make your own greenhouse with recyclable materials & sow some seeds in preparation for spring!Join us for the kick-off workshop of the 2023 season! In this session, Anastasia Alexandrin will teach participants how to make their own greenhouses for seed starting. If possible, participants are asked to bring recycled water jugs or salad containers. These materials will also be available at the workshop. This workshop will take place at Wyck. We will gather in the education building next to the Walnut Lane entrance.Interested in becoming a Friend of Wyck? We would love your support! Get your membership here.

Warm up this fall by exploring the delicious and collaborative history of soup!Join us for the October workshop of the 2022 Home Farm Foodways series, which include weekly farm workdays and monthly skill-building workshops at Wyck. In this session, explore the delicious and collaborative history of soup. With cooler temps we automatically turn our attentions towards warm and comforting meals. Soup, much like inclusion, brings together ingredients which need to shine as much as they contribute. Join Dr. LaKeisha Thorpe as she shares the fascinating cultural and historical importance of soup.This workshop will take place at Wyck. We will gather

Meet other young people interested in history, preservation, and building a cultural community while enjoying the site, games, and drinks!Join the Young Friends of Wyck for our Twilight Tipple Event! Come explore the historic house, garden, and farm, play some lawn games, meet new friends, pack a picnic meal, and purchase cider or a cocktail while exploring the grounds at twilight.Membership in the Young Friends of Wyck is not required to attend but we are also offering a "membership ticket," which includes membership to the Young Friends of Wyck as well as your first drink at the event! Come check

A collective activity of canning for food preservationDetails coming soon!