America’s Kitchens showcases the important role of kitchens throughout American history. Based on extensive research and authentic historical kitchens, the exhibition features recreated kitchens, artifacts, photographs and the personal stories that bring them to life.
From open fireS to microwave ovens, kitchens tell stories – about families and women’s roles; new technologies; changes in gadgets and appliances; and shifts in values and everyday life. This exhibition features seven kitchen vignettes, including an historic 18th century kitchen, as well as a traditional adobe kitchen in the Southwest and a 1950s bright blue, “show kitchen.” Through interactive experiences, visitors can learn what it was like to churn butter, share kitchen memories or jot down recipes from some of the cookbooks available.
Each item in the exhibition tells a story, and excerpts from letters and diaries reveal both nostalgic memories as well as despair at the endless drudgery of kitchen work. Although kitchen chores have changed, from the multi-tasking of colonial and early 19th century households to common activities taking place in the kitchen today, the kitchen remains the “heart of the home.”
Organized by Historic New England, the national tour of America’s Kitchens is made possible by the Gilbert H. Hood Family Fund, the Mars Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Presentation of the exhibition at the Long Island Museum is funded by Astoria Federal Savings; Kitchen Masters; Appliance World , Needplumbingsupplies.com; and Suffolk County under the auspices of the Office of Cultural Affairs, Steve Levy, County Executive.
Do you have a story about your family cooking traditions? How about a favorite family recipe? Special cultural traditions? An unusual kitchen gadget? Have you renovated your kitchen recently? Click here to let us know and we may post it on this site.
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