National Archives Celebrates New Food exhibition in July and August with Free Noontime Public Programs
Press Release · Thursday, June 16, 2011

Washington, DC

The National Archives presents a special series of programs in July and August including fun film screenings, and author lectures on The Astronaut’s Cookbook and A White House Garden Cook Book– all inspired by the new “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” exhibition. All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held at noon in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street.

The Frozen Sucker War: Good Humor v. Popsicle
Tuesday, July 12, Jefferson Room
Popsicles and Good Humor Bars: These two American food icons were engaged in numerous legal battles over patent and market share infringements in the 1920s. Archivist Jefferson Moak discusses the causes of these legal battles and their eventual outcome.

Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Saturday, July 16, William G. McGowan Theater
Gene Wilder stars in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story about an enigmatic candy maker who gives children a tour of his mystery-shrouded factory. 98 minutes

The Astronaut’s Cookbook
Wednesday, July 20, William G. McGowan Theater
Ever wonder what the astronauts eat in space? Do they find the food appetizing? How did NASA try to improve the food over the years? Today, on the 42nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Dr. Charles Bourland, retired long-time director of NASA’s food program, will discuss The Astronaut’s Cookbook. A book signing will follow the program.

From the Vaults:The Plow that Broke the Plains (1936) and The Land (1942)
Wednesday, July 27, William G. McGowan Theater
Two classic Government-produced films document the effects of poor farming practices and natural disasters on Depression-era American agriculture and the Federal programs designed to alleviate them. (68 minutes)

A White House Garden Cook Book: Healthy Ideas from the First Family to Your Family
Friday, August 5, Jefferson Room
When First Lady Michelle Obama turned a patch of the White House lawn into a vegetable garden, she was cheered by parents who want their kids to eat better. Food writer Clara Sliverstein discusses the first year of the White House garden in A White House Garden Cook Book, which contains recipes from past and present White House kitchens. A book signing will follow the program.

From The Vaults: Walt Disney, Food, and the Government Film
Thursday, August 18, William G. McGowan Theater
We present a selection of short films Walt Disney created for the U.S. Government, including Out of the Frying Pan Into the Firing Line (1942), Water, Friend or Enemy (1943), and The Grain that Built the Hemisphere (1943).

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Saturday, August 20, William G. McGowan Theater
Based on the children’s book by Judy Barrett, this animated adventure follows a scientist who tries to solve world hunger only to see things go awry as food falls from the sky in abundance. 90 minutes.

About: “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”

“What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” explores the Government’s effect on the American diet. Unearth the stories and personalities behind the increasingly complex programs and legislation that affect what Americans eat. Learn about Government’s extraordinary efforts, successes, and failures to change our eating habits. From Revolutionary War rations to Cold War cultural exchanges, discover the multiple ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their Government. There are over 100 original records in the exhibit—including folk songs, war posters, educational films, and even seed packets. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, runs through January 3, 2012, in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building. Museum hours (through Labor Day) are 10A.M. to 7 P.M. daily. See more information on “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” [http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/whats-cooking/]. What's Cooking, Uncle Sam? is made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives with support from Mars Incorporated and Mars Food.

To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event.

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