Learn how versatile and fun cooking in Dutch ovens can be at the Pioneer Woman Museum's introduction to Dutch oven cooking class on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. Participants will learn how to select and care for an oven, and discover the many resources and recipes available. Participants will also cook in the ovens, sample the results in a buffet style meal and learn cleaning and storage tips. Dutch ovens, typically cast iron pots with legs, have been in use for hundreds of years. While these pots offer a historic way to prepare food when outdoors, they also are great for backyard entertaining, modern camping and picnicking.

Instructor Luann Sewell Waters is the state coordinator for the Oklahoma Leopold Education Project, a conservation and history educator and a Dutch oven cooking instructor. She is an engaging presenter and inclusive teacher who wants her students to enjoy what they are learning. Waters is a popular teacher with in-depth knowledge on a variety of outdoor education themes. She has presented a number of programs at the museum since its reopening last year.

The Dutch oven cooking class will be held on the grounds of the Pioneer Woman Museum on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 12-4 p.m. and is $15 per participant. Preregistration is required and all class members must be at least 13 years of age. Contact the Pioneer Woman Museum for more information and to register for the class at 580-765-6108 or  piown@okhistory.org.

On Saturday, September 27, at 2 p.m. the Pawnee Bill Ranch will host a "Downton Abbey" themed style show. Attendees will be treated to models wearing both privately-owned original garments and beautifully crafted reproductions from the period of time in which the popular television series "Downton Abbey" is set. This particular era, 1910-30, was a time of dramatic change in fashions for women in the United States. Martha Ray, retired director of historic homes for the Oklahoma Historical Society, will narrate the style show and provide historical context for each item of clothing and the fashion era it represents. The event will be a fascinating educational opportunity for anyone who is interested in fashion, history or textile design. 

The fee for the style show is $5 and participants are encouraged to RSVP to 918-762-2513. The style show will be held in the museum conference room. The Pawnee Bill Ranch is located one-half mile west of Pawnee on US 64. It was once the home and ranch of world-renowned showman Gordon W. "Pawnee Bill" Lillie and is now available for public tour.