Herbs, Health, History—Expert William Woys Weaver to Speak at Ridley Creek State Park Nov. 6

If you have an interest in herbal medicine, here's your chance to learn more from a local expert. William Woys Weaver, local author and food historian will be discussing native medicinal plants, based on their historical usage as presented in his 2001 publication Sauer's Herbal Cures.

Sauer's Herbal Cures is the first North American book on herbal medicine, originally published in Germantown by Pennsylvania apothecary and printer Christopher Sauer (1721-1784). The book tells the story of many of the herbs used by the Pennslvania Dutch for ailments and every day living. As a skilled ethnobotanist, Mr. Weaver has added footnotes and edited segments to the translation to clarify historical details for the reader. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Mr. Weaver resides in Devon and specializes in the history of American cuisine and foodways. He is a three-time winner of the Julia Child Cookbook Award. His books include Heirloom Vegetable Gardening, Pennsylvania Dutch Country Cooking and Sauerkraut Yankees. He is a well-known heirloom gardener and seed saver.

This event is being co-hosted by The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park and the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Herbalists Guild and will take place in the historic . Come early to sample herbal teas and items for sale, talk to local herbalists or stroll through the beautiful walled gardens surrounding the mansion.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. There will be a nominal fee for this event: $8 ($5 for members of AHG, Friends of Ridley Creek State Park, Students with ID and 65+) Contact: Jayne Tamburello at 610-566-2881 or jstamburello@gmail.com.