DuPage Historical Museum examines influence of food

Biscuits, gravy, persimmon jam, sausages and more were staples on the tables of early settlers in northern Illinois.

Culinary historian Bruce Kraig will examine the eating habits of local ancestors as he presents "What We Ate: A History of Northern Illinois Foodways" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton.

The settlers' traditions and the fertile land they tamed influenced their own food from the 1850s to the 1930s, but Kraig will discuss how they've also influenced modern dining.

Kraig's presentation serves as the inaugural meeting of the Culinary Historians of Northern Illinois, a new organization dedicated to understanding social and cultural history through the study and celebration of food and drink.

"Anyone interested in food culture, history and tradition is invited to join us on Oct. 13 as we explore the rich food culture of Northern Illinois," said CHNI co-founder Gerry Rounds.

A professor emeritus of history at Roosevelt University, Kraig has hosted an award-winning PBS series on global food and culture, written hundreds of food-related articles, and wrote several titles, including "Man Bites Dog: Hot Dog Culture in America" and "America's Food," coming in 2017. He also has taught at the culinary school of Kendall College in Chicago.

Along with Kraig's program, Rounds will outline CHNI's first research project, Cookery Manuscript, which involves "the archiving of handwritten cookery manuscripts (recipes) 50 years or older."

Following the presentation, Elizabeth Carlson of Ellie Presents will provide a historically authentic tasting of some of the foods mentioned in Kraig's presentation.

Her presentation, "Tasting History," draws on her 30-year career as a museum curator and past theater experience.

Museum manager and educator Michelle Podkowa said the museum is excited to be involved in the new group for culinary historians.

"We look forward to our ongoing partnership with this group," she said. "We are especially excited to see the outcome of the Cookery Manuscript project."

"What We Ate: A History of Northern Illinois Foodways" is free, but registration is requested. For more information and to register, call (630) 510-4941.