Food writer Denise Clemons to speak in Bethany March 15

The Bethany Beach Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee will host local food writer Denise Clemons for a talk based on her book, “A Culinary History of Southern Delaware,” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, at Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach.

Clemons will describe the history behind local ingredients and cooking techniques from the time of the Nanticoke Indians through the foods still beloved today, including scrapple, beach plums and muskrat.

Clemons holds a bachelor of arts degree in biopsychology from Vassar College and a master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. She spent the early years of her career as an executive in the technology industry, then turned to the nonprofit arena, focusing on museums. She serves on the boards of trustees for the Rehoboth Art League and the Lewes Historical Society. She is past regent of the Col. David Hall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and serves the society at the state and national levels.

Clemons has written a weekly food column for the Cape Gazette newspaper since 2005, and her award-winning book, “A Culinary History of Southern Delaware,” was published by the History Press. She has published fiction, nonfiction and poetry in journals, chapbooks and anthologies. She conducts writing workshops, cooking demonstrations and history lectures across the region.

Since 2005, the Bethany Beach Cultural & Historical Affairs Committee has been sponsoring cultural events during the off-season. Topics of interest run the gamut from shipwrecks and treasures to music and historic tales. All programs are free and open to the public.