2011 Traveling Exhibit Schedule Announced

Want a taste of the Hoosier state’s food culture? There’s never been more opportunity to sample the state’s food history than through the Food for Thought traveling exhibit, which will visit seven Indiana communities in 2011. Six communities were selected through an application process, which encouraged applicants to create dynamic programming to complement the exhibit. Cities chosen to receive the exhibit include: Bloomington, Evansville, Jasper, Vincennes, West Lafayette and Winchester. The exhibit will also appear in Indianapolis during the Indiana State Fair, from Aug. 5-21.

Featuring a historical and contemporary look at Indiana’s food culture, plus interactive opportunities for Hoosiers of all ages, the exhibit is a signature piece of the two-year Food for Thought initiative from the Indiana Humanities Council. Visitors can record their Hoosier food story at the Story Silo, examine kitchen tools at the Hoosier Cabinet or test their knowledge by taking a quiz. With programs devoted to issues ranging from local to global and slow food to fast food, Food for Thought seeks to encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk about food.

Indiana has a rich agricultural history that is ripe for exploration. This exhibit gives Hoosiers an opportunity to learn about that history and discuss our food culture and traditions. In essence, it conveys the larger story about what’s on our plate. Visitors often leave the exhibit surprised by all that Indiana has contributed and all that it has to offer.

Dates and locations for the exhibit in 2011 include:

• Dubois County Museum, Jasper (April 12 – May 6)
• Center on Aging and Community, Indiana University, Bloomington (May 6 – May 20)
• Randolph County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Winchester (June 3 – 20)
• Knox County Public Library, Vincennes (July 18 – Aug. 4)
• Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis (Aug. 5 – 21)
• West Lafayette Public Library, West Lafayette (Aug. 29 – Sept. 9)
• Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library, Evansville (Sept. 9 – Oct. 3)

Each community will work with local businesses and organizations, along with the Indiana Humanities Council, to create customized engaging programs, such as panel discussions, guest lectures, community potluck discussions, storytelling activities, demonstrations and contests.

The Food for Thought traveling exhibit is made possible in part by sponsorships from Indiana’s Family of Farmers and Dow AgroSciences, as well as funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.