Historic Bread Making Class & Fundraiser

Historic Bread Making Class & Fundraiser

Saturday November 1 | 9am-3:30pm
$100 per Participant | Ages 14 & Up
All proceeds support the material costs of building the historically accurate oven.
Scroll down or click here to register for the Historic Bread Making Class.
You can use the same form to make a donation in support of Anson Pingree & Troop #188 to complete their Eagle Scout Project.

Be part of history at the Troy Historic Village as we fire up our brand-new clay oven for the very first time! Join us for a hands-on, 6-hour baking workshop where you’ll learn the art of traditional bread making—just like the early settlers did. You'll learn the basics of using a clay oven and explore early American bread-making techniques. Not only will you bake your own loaf of bread, but you'll also get to taste traditional loaves fresh from the oven!

The workshop will be led by professional baker, historian, and Eagle Scout Jeff Pavlik, who teaches Culinary Arts at a metro Detroit high school and presents historic baking at museums and historic sites across the country.

*No experience is necessary.
*All supplies will be provided.
*We will be walking back and forth from the oven to the building to check on the fire several times, so be prepared for a small amount of walking in the village.

Meet the Jeff Pavlik

The workshop will be led by professional baker, historian, and Eagle Scout Jeff Pavlik! He left his career as a historian to pursue his passion for bread, becoming a professional baker and neighborhood bakery owner for 25 years. Drawing on decades of research and hands-on experience, Jeff has led bread workshops across the country that blend baking history with practical technique. Today, he shares his expertise as a Culinary Arts teacher at a metro Detroit high school.

When did the Village get a bread oven?

This special oven was constructed as part of Anson Pingree’s Eagle Scout project this year and reflects the design and craftsmanship of historic clay ovens. Now, we're inviting you to help christen it by baking the inaugural loaves.

Historic homes like Caswell House and the Log Cabin would have had outdoor spaces for cooking, chores, and other types of work. This bread oven is the first step in helping the Village tell part of history.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with history, support a local Eagle Scout project, and enjoy the unforgettable experience of baking bread the old-fashioned way.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have accessibility questions, please click here to visit our accessibility page or contact us at info@thvmail.org and we will be happy to help!

• Do I need to register in advance? Yes! Everyone must register in advance for the Historic Bread Making Class as space is limited.
• Can I get a refund if I am not able to attend the class? No, we do not offer refunds for this program unless we (the Village) cancels or reschedules the program. We would be happy to convert your registration into a tax-deductible donation and send a receipt upon request.
• My teenage child is taking this class. Do I need stay at the Village during the class? No! You can drop off and pick up your child at the designated times. If you would like to observe your child in the class, we ask that you also pay to participate (not including for accessibility purposes).
• I've never made bread before. Can I attend this class? Yes! No experience is needed for this class.
• Do I need to bring any supplies? No! All supplies will be provided. However, we recommend bringing your own apron.
• Does this class take place inside or outside? Parts of the class will take place inside our Main Building and others will take place outdoors behind Caswell House.
• What happens if it rains? This program will take place rain or shine!
• What should I wear? Wear comfortable shoes for walking/standing and bring clothes that you don't mind getting dirty with flour, water, and wood ash on them. We recommend bringing your own apron.
• Does this class have accommodations for food allergies/dietary restrictions? While we are normally able to food allergies/dietary restrictions, we do not recommend this class if you are allergic to certain in foods including gluten.
• Does this class have accommodations if I use a mobility aid? We will try our best! This class does require quite a bit of travel around the Village. The majority of the Village has flat paved paths, but you will need to cross grass to get to the bread oven. Wheelchair users may not be able to fully utilize the historic bread oven as it is design for standing adults. Still have questions? Please contact us at info@thvmail.org.
• Will bathrooms be available? Yes, accessible bathrooms will be available.
• Will food or drink be available for the 30-minute lunch break? No, Troy Historic Village does not sell food, nor do we have water fountains. You should plan to bring a bottle of water and your own lunch. Lunch can also be purchased next door at BB’s of Troy & Oliver’s Pizza. *Please note we are a peanut free facility.

Parking & Directions

Troy Historic Village is located at 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy MI 48098 (northwest corner of Wattles and Livernois). There are two parking lots at the Village and you can park in either one. After you park, head inside the Main Building (the large brick building) to check in. We will have green and white signs to direct your path.