National Archives Offers Food Exhibit-Related Public Programs in September 2011
Press Release · Thursday, July 28, 2011

Washington, DC

The National Archives presents a free series of programs in September 2011 including a special discussion on Mexican food with Chef José Andrés and Diana Kennedy, film screenings, author lectures, and an ice cream social celebrating the Constitution’s birthday– all inspired by the new “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” exhibition. All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW.

Lunch Line (2010)
Thursday, September 8, at 7 P.M., William G. McGowan Theater
More than 60 years after the National School Lunch Program began in 1946, the program feeds more than 31 million children every day. The Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film presents this 2010 documentary, in which leaders from all sides of the school food debate, including government officials, foodservice experts, activists, and students, weigh in on the program and discuss ways to continue nourishing America’s children for another 60 years. Directed by Ernie Park and Michael Graziano. Food writer Jane Black will moderate a post-screening discussion that will include filmmaker Michael Graziano, nutritionist Dr. Margo Wootan from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman, and others.

The Harvey Girls (1946)
Saturday, September 10, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Judy Garland stars in this lavish MGM musical as a mail-order bride who decides to become a “Harvey Girl” and work in one of Fred Harvey’s famous railroad station restaurants. The many musical numbers featured in the in the film include the Oscar-winning “Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe.” Directed by George Sidney. (101 minutes)

Appetite for America: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire that Civilized the Wild West
Wednesday, September 14, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
For many years, the name Fred Harvey stood for American hospitality. As railroads grew and expanded westward, Harvey established the first chain restaurants, called Harvey Houses, in partnership with the Santa Fe Railroad. Stephen Fried recounts the history of a man who influenced American culture as well as the “winning” of the West in a new, mouth-watering way. A book signing will follow the program.

American Eats Series: A Conversation with Diana Kennedy and José Andrés
Thursday, September 15, at 7 P.M., William G. McGowan Theater
Acclaimed as the Julia Child of Mexican cooking, for more than 50 years, Diana Kennedy has brought Mexican cuisine to the world and taught generations of American as well as Mexican cooks how to prepare and savor the delicious, subtle, and varied tastes of Mexico. In celebration of Hispanic American Heritage Month, Kennedy and José Andrés, Chief Culinary Adviser for “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?,” will discuss Mexican food and its far-reaching effects on American cuisine. A book signing of Oaxaca al Gusto will follow the program.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Constitution!
Friday, September 16, 1–2 P.M., Jefferson Room
In a special program in celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the first 224 guests will join First Lady Dolley Madison for an ice cream social as she describes White House entertainment in the early 19th century.

Hamburger America (2005)
Wednesday, September 21, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
George Motz, America’s foremost hamburger expert, will introduce his 2005 documentary Hamburger America, which tells the story of eight deliciously unique hamburger locations across the country and the people behind the burgers. Each featured restaurant has been around for more than 40 years, uses only fresh meat, and in many cases can boast the fact that ownership has stayed within the same family. (54 minutes.) After the screening, Motz will sign copies of the companion book to Hamburger America.

Tortilla Soup (2001)
Saturday, September 24, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we present this 2001 comedy about a retired Mexican-American chef (Hector Elizondo) and his three daughters. Directed by Maria Ripoll. (102 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 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., day after Labor Day through March 14, 2012, 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., daily. See more information about “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, email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.

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