2015 Press Releases

National Archives Explores History of Dining and Drinking in America March 12
Press Release · Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Washington, DC

“American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites”

On Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m, the National Archives hosts a special program titled “American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites.” This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The event will also be streamed live via YouTube.

Libby O’Connell, chief historian and a senior vice president for the History Channel and A&E networks, and the author of American Plate, will discuss American culinary history, including a colorful exploration of numerous drinks and cocktails. Joining O’Connell will be Corby Kummer, senior editor of The Atlantic, and Jim Hewes, chief mixologist and cocktail historian at the Willard Hotel. A book signing will follow the program.

Attendees should use the Special Events entrance, located on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW. The building is fully accessible. Metro: Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. To verify the date and times of the programs, view the Calendar of Events online.

About American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites
For generations, people have proudly defined themselves and their values through their national cuisine. But American food, like its history, is a world of its own. This enticingly fresh book introduces modern listeners to lost American food traditions and leads them on a tantalizing culinary journey through the evolution of our vibrant cuisine and culture. Covering a hundred different foods from the Native American era through today and featuring over thirty recipes, this fascinating history of American food will delight history buffs and food lovers alike.

Related new exhibit: “Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History”
Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery, March 6–January 10, 2016
“Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History” uses nearly100 National Archives documents and artifacts to reveal the Federal Government’s efforts, successes, and failures to change our drinking habits, from whiskey rations to the Continental Army to the Whiskey Rebellion to Prohibition and beyond. The stories they tell echo today’s debates over regulating drinking and the legalization of other drugs. Follow the exhibit on social media channels using hashtag #SpiritedRepublic.

Spirited Republic is presented in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of: HISTORY®, the Lawrence F. O'Brien Family, The Tasting Panel Magazine, and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. Additional exhibition funding provided by the Beer Institute, the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

Related traveling exhibit: What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?
What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet is a traveling exhibition of records from the holdings of the National Archives that trace the ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their government. From Revolutionary War rations to Cold War cultural exchanges, these documents and images reflect many of our current concerns about food safety and nutrition.

# # #

For more information about “Spirited Republic” or to obtain images of items included in the exhibition, call the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

Connect with the National Archives on:
Twitter: @USNatArchives
Facebook: USNationalArchives
Tumblr: http://usnatarchives.tumblr.com
Using hashtag #SpiritedRepublic

15-48

This page was last reviewed on November 6, 2018.
Contact us with questions or comments.

Top