Culinary Historians of Chicago & Chicago Foodways Roundtable

DeKalb County History Center
1730 N Main Street | Sycamore, IL 60178
Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 1 PM Central

Highly recommended:
Church Supper at Kingston United Methodist Church 121 1st St | Kingston, IL 60145

Dinner will feature chicken dinner plus homemade pie!
Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 5 PM Central Time
Cost: $20 including admission and supper

The food on the American table may not define exactly what we are as a nation, but the traditions surrounding our foods speak volumes about who we are. Rooted in centuries of borrowing and sharing, food traditions are staggeringly diverse and constantly evolving. The intersection of cultures in America is perhaps the most important factor in the mix that is America’s food.

“American food” defies definition, except to say that it is what people in America harvest, prepare, and eat. There is no real recipe, just a few key ingredients constantly stirred by time.

Stop by and explore this exhibit that explores our natural resources, local food traditions, food technology, and food as an autobiography. Then, continue your adventure throughout the summer at area history museums which will have related displays and programming.

We will have a guided tour of this exhibit and will visit their archives.
Food: Gathering Around the Table is generously sponsored by Meta and Old National Bank.

Food: Gathering Around the Table is created by DeKalb County History Center in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.

Reserve by sending an email to CulinaryHistorians@gmail.com.

How to plan your trip

Bring a Cooler to Visit:

From 1850 – 1950, the area of DuPage County, located just 10 miles west of Chicago, was home to farming families and small towns. Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage will explore how settlers transformed the land into a thriving farming community and delve into the rich history of farming in the western suburbs. Despite facing challenges, these pioneering families supported themselves through subsistence farming before transitioning to commercial farming, contributing to Illinois’ agricultural legacy. The farmers of DuPage experienced the impact of mechanized farming equipment, which revolutionized the agriculture industry in Elmhurst and throughout Illinois. Furthermore, DuPage County’s location along extensive railway lines allowed Elmhurst to participate in the bustling trade and commerce of agricultural products through Chicago.

In addition to photographs, videos, and many historic farm tools, visitors can take part in several interactive elements, from a children’s farmers market to trying out traditional farm chores. An exhibit the entire family can enjoy, Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage offers a unique look at how Illinois influenced the agricultural industry over the decades.

Curator of Exhibits, Sarah Cox, who will guide us through this exhibit, said. “We hope the exhibit inspires visitors to learn about where their own food comes from, support local farmers by visiting one of the many farmers markets in the area, and possibly even try their hand at growing their own produce this summer!”

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