"More helpful than all wisdom is one draught of simple pity that will not forsake us”

From our humble beginnings in the fall of 2007, to our first east coast event in Pennsylvania earlier this summer, the Widow Black Coffeehouse has been a labor of love. We have grown so much in those 7 years,. It's sometimes hard to believe it hasn't been longer. 

The earliest demonstration table, 2008

The current demonstration table, 2012

We expanded from a single table under a borrowed awning, to a 20' x 30' arrangement with separate coffee space & dedicated kitchen. The simple coffee demonstration has expanded to include all hot beverages from the era and has developed into a dedicated first person interpretive space as well. Long gone are the days of roasting in an open pan or brewing 1 pot of coffee for the entire day. These days we roast & brew constantly just to keep up with demand, offer period documented meals as well as other period entertainments for the enjoyment of other reenactors. We are frequently not only the first camp awake in the morning, but the last hold out of laughter & sociability long after others have turned in for the night.

Before the kitchen expansion, 2012

After the kitchen expansion, 2014

Today the Coffeehouse has reached the point where we can't continue to grow without help from fans like you! 

We would be ENORMOUSLY HONORED by anyone sharing this link & contributing to the fund that will enable us to rent a vehicle & bring the Coffeehouse to Mississinewa 1812 this year. There are even rewards in it for every funding level!



Above all, we want to thank everyone who has supported the coffeehouse over the past 7 years. Whether it was simply by sitting & enjoying a cup of coffee with us, donating your energy by chopping fire wood or hauling water, promoting us on Facebook and other social media or inviting us to set up at events, we owe each of you more than can ever be repaid. It is thanks to fans like you that we have grown so far in such little time, without ever sacrificing our dedication to historical accuracy!

Thank You, from the bottom of our coffee dishes!