Flavors of the Land: A Wampanoag Culinary Journey

Experience the taste and history of Indigenous foodways

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

(Rain Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026)

The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth invites you to join Wampanoag food and language historian Eleanor “Toodie” Coombs for a guided exploration of Indigenous foodways, language, and history.

The program begins fireside beneath the Turtle Arbor where we invite you to watch and learn Wampanoag cooking methods as Toodie prepares a traditional Wampanoag turkey soup — a dish comprised of locally sourced ingredients including garlic, onions, summer squash and fiddlehead ferns combined with fresh turkey.

As the soup simmers, Toodie will discuss the history of the Wampanoag, their language and the seasonal food cycle. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in the discussion and when cooking is complete, guests will enjoy a tasting of the soup along with other traditional Indigenous foods including corn bread and the first berries of the season.

Eleanor “Toodie” Coombs is a Mashpee Wampanoag citizen and loving wife and mother of 4 girls. She is considered a cultural keep, Wampanoag linguist, and an outstanding chef of tradition and contemporary foods. She previously was the Foodways Manager for the historical museum Plimoth Patuxet for over 10 years and met hundreds of guests yearly. She loves sharing and teaching her culture to all cultures of people over her 40-year career. She also has won the Usameaquin Award for keeping the history of her people alive and passing it down to the next 7 generations. This award is given by the Mashpee Wampanoag body of people and is highly respected by all.

​Note: Mass EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders are eligible for 50% off program tickets through the Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program. Please email info@hsoy.org for more information and to reserve your Card to Culture program tickets.

Fee: $20 HSOY Members, $25 Not-Yet-Members --> HSOY Members receive discounted program tickets, amoung other perks! Sign-up online today!

PLEASE NOTE:

In the case of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled to the rain date of Sunday, May 17th. If needed, information will be communicated about this change via email 24 hours in advance.

Please be aware that we are unable to tailor the menu for dietary restrictions.

Recommended for ages 14+

Program maximum is 25 people.

Online reservations close 1 hour prior to tour time (10:00 AM)

For more information, visit: www.hsoy.org/indigenous-peoples