Learn how sap from maple trees becomes tasty syrup and enjoy a warm pancake breakfast through a program at the Rochester Hills Museum on Saturday, March 17.
The sap is running and city staff have been tapping the trees at the historic Van Hoosen Farm. Visitors will see a sap-to-syrup demonstration, learn the history of making syrup and enjoy a pancake breakfast, complete with sausage, juice, hot coffee and Rochester Hills maple syrup.
There will be a short talk at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Native Americans are recognized as either the first or one of the earliest groups to use maple sap to flavor food. Gathering maple sap was a family event and in some cases involved moving the family wigwams to maple groves. In some Native American, tribes maple sap gathering was celebrated as sign of spring’s return. Several methods were used to remove the water from the sugary sap. One method was to repeatedly freeze and remove the ice layers from the sap. Another method that is still used today is boiling.
Tickets for the Maple Syrup Program and Pancake Breakfast are $3 for museum members, $5 for non- members (children under 5 free). Scouting groups are welcome.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (248) 656- 4663 or e-mailing rhmuseum@rochesterhills.org. Tickets can also be picked up in advance during museum hours, Fridays or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m.
The Museum is located at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, off Tienken between Rochester and Dequindre.
