"Key Ingredients" Exhibit Coming to Urbana

Urbana University is scheduled to host a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition this November. The exhibit, called “Key Ingredients: America by Food” which is made possible by the Ohio Humanities Council, will be open to the public throughout the month in the Urbana University Student Center.

In addition to making the Smithsonian exhibit available to the public, Urbana University is also planning special programs and events in conjunction with the exhibit, Susie Sassenberg, Student Development Specialist at Urbana University, said. Area residents and organizations are also getting involved.

“Key Ingredients: America by Food” explores the connections between Americans and the foods they produce, prepare, preserve, and present at the table. Urbana University is one of 150 stops planned across the country through 2008 for this provocative and thoughtful look at the historical, regional, and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations.

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, “Key Ingredients: America by Food” examines the evolution of the American kitchen and how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled Americans to choose an ever-wider variety of frozen, prepared, and fresh foods. The exhibit looks beyond the home to restaurants, diners, and celebrations that help build a sense of community through food.

The exhibition and accompanying website are developed by Museum on Main Street, a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils in service to museums and communities in rural areas of the country. Urbana University is one of eight scheduled stops for the exhibit in Ohio this year, and is the only University hosting the exhibit. The Wood County Historical Center and Museum in Bowling Green is currently hosting the exhibit.

The grand opening for the exhibit at Urbana University is planned for Friday, Nov. 2. The exhibit will be on campus in the student center through Nov. 30. Admission will be free.

The University is organizing special programs and events related to the exhibit, and getting area residents and organizations involved. Ms. Sassenberg said the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its Business to Business meeting on campus that month, and the Champaign County Literacy Council is planning to do a program on campus related to food. The Champaign County Library is also coordinating activities in conjunction with the exhibit.

A workshop on how food impacts an individual’s mental health and overall wellbeing is being planned, as well as a discussion on nutrition and athletics.

“We really want to encourage field trips from area schools to the exhibit,” Mrs. Sassenberg said.

The fall play by the Urbana University Department of Theatre, currently scheduled for Nov. 10 and 11, will have a food theme. Margaret Piatt, who is Urbana University’s Director of Theatre, is also coordinating a related activity at Piatt Castles near West Liberty.

Special programming planning is continuing, and Ms. Sassenberg hopes to involve local restaurants and more local residents and organizations. Those interested in becoming involved in the project are asked to contact Ms. Sassenberg by phone at 484-1459 or by email at ssassenberg@urbana.edu.

More news and updates about the “Key Ingredients: America by Food” exhibit and related events will be coming in the weeks leading up to the exhibit’s grand opening Nov. 2.