Open hearth cooking on tap

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - The Monmouth County Historical Association invites the public to enjoy open hearth cooking demonstrations at the Covenhoven house on April 14 between noon and 4 p.m.

The association's Covenhoven staff and volunteers will show visitors how one prepared a meal using an open hearth in the 18th century. Visitors will be able to watch a demonstration of the home's bake oven and will be invited to sample tasty period foods such as gingerbread.

Guests will also be able to take guided tours of this landmark house built in 1752 for William and Elizabeth Covenhoven. The Covenhoven house later served as headquarters for British Gen. Henry Clinton before the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.

Admission is free. The Covenhoven house is at 150 W. Main St. near the Route 9 overpass. Parking is available at Grace Lutheran Church at the corner of West Main Street and Business Route 33.

Throughout the school year, the "Hearth and Home" educational program, which is sponsored by the PNC Foundation, offers children the opportunity to learn about history through the sights, sounds and smells of an 18th-century kitchen.

For information about booking a school program for a class, call (732) 462-1466.