Food: Transforming the American Table

Whether convenient, fast, organic, processed, gourmet, ethnic, or local—the foods available to Americans have never been more plentiful and diverse, or more ripe for discussion. Coupled with big changes in who does the cooking, where meals are consumed, and what we know (or think we know) about what’s good for us, the story of Americans and food in post-WWII America is about much more than what’s for dinner. Learn about the social changes that have changed how we eat in the the following sections:

• Julia Child's Kitchen: One of the Smithsonian’s most popular artifacts, the kitchen contains the tools, equipment, and furnishings arranged exactly as they were when Julia donated it to the museum. She was an important force who changed the way many Americans think about and prepare food; she inspired many cooks to venture into unfamiliar cuisines and encouraged them to enjoy cooking and to share the pleasures of the table.
• “New and Improved!”: Explore the innovations behind some of the major changes in food production, distribution, preparation, and consumption since the 1950s. Learn about the rise of large-scale, centralized agriculture, the expansion of manufactured “convenience” foods, and the tremendous increase in drive-thru and on-the-go dining.
• Resetting the Table: How have social and cultural movements affected what’s on the table in America? Explore the role of new immigrants in introducing new flavors. Learn how shifting gender roles, working patterns, and family life have changed the way we eat. Examine the roots of movements embracing local, fresh, and organic foods.
• Wine for the Table: The tremendous growth and expansion of wine and winemaking is an important story in postwar America. Discover how new technologies, innovators, and changing attitudes led to the production of wine in all 50 states by 2000.
• Open Table: Take a seat at a large, communal table and engage in conversation about a wide range of food-related issues and topics.
• The Migrant’s Table explores immigration and migration’s impact on food in the United States since 1960.
• Brewing a Revolution shares the stories of home brewing and craft beer.
• America on a Diet juxtaposes the exponential rise of dieting Americans since 1950 and the simultaneous increase of modern health problems related to food.

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