ANNOUNCING four illustrated lectures:
In New York State ONLY: these talks are sponsored by the N.Y. Council for the Humanities (212 233 2231 or www.nyhumanities.org)
1) Art in Food and Food in Art
A lusciously illustrated slide- or Power Point talk on food and drink seen in the seventeenth century Dutch Masters and their relevance to the American kitchen today: it explores the foodways brought to America by the Dutch more than three centuries ago and how these foods were changed and adapted under the new circumstances.
Using slides of some 40 paintings by Jan Steen, Adriaen van Ostade, Jan Davidsz. De Heem, Pieter Claesz, Harmen van Steenwijck and many others, the lecture will demonstrate how these art works give an insight in 17th-century food practices and shed new light on the colonial diet..
2) The Forgotten Holidays
Explains the practices brought here by the Dutch settlers in the seventeenth century which had a lasting impact on American life. The talk includes the changes that took place, not only in our present-day Christmas celebration but also in the festivities surrounding New Year's, Pinkster (which became an African-American holiday) and other events that are cause for celebration, such as the birth of a child. Slides illustrating the various festive occasions are part of the lecture.
3) The Influence of the Dutch on the American Kitchen
Explores the food ways brought to America by the Dutch more than three centuries ago and the way these foods were adapted to the new circumstances. Images of seventeenth-century Dutch art works depicting various foodstuffs are part of the lecture.
4) Saint Nicholas: the Saint who became Santa:
Food historian Peter G. Rose delves into the early history of the life of the Saint; explains the various changes in his veneration; and relates how he was brought to America by the Dutch in the seventeenth century and, again, transformed to Santa in the nineteenth century. The talk encompasses such subjects as literature, religion, the fine arts, and Dutch food ways to describe the extraordinary story of his generosity that had a lasting impact on us all.
For information on how to apply, please call: 212 233 1131.
Please email me if you need further information!
August 11, 1 3 oclock, Eastfield Village, Nassau, NY.
The Influence of the Dutch on the American Kitchen 518 766 2422
August 12, 7 p.m. Schoharie County Historical Society Stone Fort
The Forgotten Holidays (sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities) 518 295 7192
September 11, 5:30 onwards After-dinner speaker for the Annual (Fundraising) dinner of the Rhinebeck Historical Society;
Art in Food and Food in Art Rhinecliff Hotel, Rhinecliff, NY
September 25, 11 a.m. Association of Blauvelt Descendants; Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Museum and Library, Rhinebeck, NY.
Art in Food and Food in Art (sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities) 303 906 9780
October 16, 9:30 workshop for interpreters; 1 o'clock lecture New Castle, DE
New Castle Historical Society and the Delaware Historical Society Art in Food and Food in Art 302 322 2794
October 23, 1 o'clock The Society of New Concord
Art in Food and Food in Art (sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities 518 392 6671
October 27, 12:30 1:30 (Re-scheduled from February due to snowstorm)Howland Public Library, Beacon, NY
Art in Food and Food in Art (sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities) 845 831 11234 X 105
December 10, 6 pm Pember Library, Granville, NY
Joyful Traditions: How the Dutch Brought Us Santa, Presents and Treats (sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities) 518 642 2525
If you would like further information, please email me.pgrose2006@yahoo.com
It was a pleasure to be part of a panel on Dutch food, beer and culture
at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. in August 2009.