Event—Adult Education

Foods of the Columbian Exchange

Can you imagine Kansas without wheat, Italy without tomatoes, or India without chili peppers? These foods, so central to modern regional culinary identities, were adopted as a result of the Columbian Exchange—the transfer of plants, animals, populations, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds following Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas.

***This seminar has reached capacity. Please email seminars@newberry.org or call 312-255-3700 to be added to the waitlist.***

Seminar Description

Can you imagine Kansas without wheat, Italy without tomatoes, or India without chili peppers? These foods, so central to modern regional culinary identities, were adopted as a result of the Columbian Exchange—the transfer of plants, animals, populations, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds following Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas. Through observation of Newberry items and the examination of recipes, we will learn in this one-day seminar how modern tastes have been influenced by the Columbian Exchange.

One session. E – $85, R – $93.50

An independent culinary historian, Sarah Peters Kernan holds a PhD in medieval history from Ohio State University. Her research focuses on cookbooks in medieval and early modern England. She is co–editor of The Recipes Project and collaborates regularly with the Newberry.

Materials List

Required:

  • There are no required materials for this seminar.

First Reading:

  • There is no reading assignment for the first class.

Registration Information

  • Online registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Tuesday, January 7.
  • Phone registration opens at 12 pm (CST) on Wednesday, January 8.

Early registration (E) prices are in effect from January 7 at 9 am through January 24 at 4 pm. Regular registration (R) prices are in effect January 24 at 4 pm through the end of the term.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

Need Help? Please email seminars@newberry.org.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies and procedures, or teaching a seminar.