National Archives Offers Food Exhibit-Related Public Programs in October 2011
Press Release · Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Washington, DC

The National Archives presents a free series of programs in October 2011, including a special panel discussion with former White House chefs, a Food Day open house, a talk by Jennifer 8. Lee, and a program on food safety featuring Chef José Andrés – all inspired by the popular exhibit “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” 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.

Film Screening: The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
Saturday, October 15, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater

John Ford directed this Oscar®-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel, which depicts the journey of the displaced Joad family as they travel from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. Starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, and John Carradine. (129 minutes)

Panel Discussion: A Conversation with Former White House Chefs
Wednesday, October 19, at 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Four former White House chefs discuss their colorful experiences cooking for the Presidents and their families. Moderated by NPR’s Susan Stamberg, panelists include Henry Haller, Roland Mesnier, Pierre Chambrin, and Frank Ruta.

Food Day Open House
Monday, October 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., National Archives Museum Level
Want to talk about food-related initiatives? Come meet representatives of the USDA, ThinkFood Group and other food-related organizations. Presented in with conjunction with the National Archives exhibit “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”and Food Day, a nationwide event sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Author Lecture/Booksigning: The History of Chinese-American Cuisine with Jennifer 8. Lee
Wednesday, October 26, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Best-selling author and journalist Jennifer 8. Lee discusses the origins and development of Chinese cooking and restaurants in America, drawing on her book, The Fortune Cookie Chronicles, and upcoming documentary film, The Search for General Tso: A Documentary Film About Chinese Food in America. A book signing will follow the program.

Panel Discussion: America Eats Series: Food Frights! Food Safety Then and Now
Thursday, October 27, at 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Ever hear of the “Poison Squad” or read author Upton Sinclair’s exposé of the meat packing industry? How did America’s government become involved in the food safety of its citizens? A panel explores how this involvement started, how far we have come, and how it will look in the future. David Gregory of “Meet the Press,” moderates panelists Philip Derfler, USDA/FSIS Deputy Administrator; Suzanne Junod, FDA senior historian; and Chef José Andrés, Chief Culinary Advisor for the “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” exhibit at the National Archives.

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 are 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. through March 14, 2012, daily. For information on “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”. 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 prior to the event.

# # #

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

Connect with Us on:
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/archivesnews
Facebook:  USNationalArchives

11-173