Description
Book SynopsisFood is such a friendly topic that it's often thought of as a hook for engaging visitors a familiar way into other topics, or a sensory element to round out a living history interpretation. But it's more than just a hook it's a topic all its own, with its own history and its own uncertain future, deserving of a central place in historic interpretation. With audiences more interested in food than ever before, and new research in food studies bringing interdisciplinary approaches to this complicated but compelling subject, museums and historic sites have an opportunity to draw new audiences and infuse new meaning into their food presentations. You'll find:A comprehensive, thematic framework of key concepts that will help you contextualize food history interpretations;A concise, evaluative review of the historiography of food interpretation;Case studies featuring the expression of these themes in the real world of museum interpretation; andBest practices for interpreting food. Interpr
Trade ReviewFood is the tie that binds together people across history and cultures. It tells the story of both cultures and individuals. Museum visitors understand this and consistently gravitate towards exhibits and interpretive activities highlighting food and in evaluations consistently mention it as one of the most memorable of museum experiences. Michelle Moon's Interpreting Food at Museums and Historic Sites combines a lively history of food and society with practical suggestions on how to create programs that inform and engage museum-goers of all ages. Moon's book deserves a place in both the personal and professional libraries of all history museum professionals. -- Garet D. Livermore, Adjunct Professor of Museum Education, Cooperstown Graduate Program
Table of ContentsPreface: A Mug-Up Acknowledgments Introduction: Why It’s Time to Rethink Food in History Interpretation Chapter One: Starting from Scratch: The Origins of Food Interpretation Chapter Two: Who's at the Table? Interpreting Food and Identity Chapter Three: It's Good for You! Interpreting Food and Health Chapter Five: Food - New and Improved! Interpreting Food Technology and Fashion Chapter Six: Edible Activism: Interpreting the Politics of the Plate Chapter Seven: Final Thoughts: Toward Resilience Suggested Resources Bibliography Index About the Author
