I have given lectures at the Smithsonian Institution, The Culinary Institute of America, Museum Boymans van Beuningen in the Netherlands, many local historical societies including the New York Historical Society, and at a variety of universities and museums, such as Bryn Mawr College, Hofstra University, Harvard's Fogg Museum, The National Gallery and the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
ANNOUNCING Five 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) NEW/NEW: FROM GARDEN TO TABLE
This PowerPoint presentation is based on a 17th-century Dutch gardening- and cookbook, which features a calendar for gardening activities and a cookbook that explains how to use the fruits and vegetables grown in the garden to best advantage. The 400-year old book with its contemporary theme helps in understanding the kitchen gardens of the early Dutch settlers of the Hudson Valley and gives insight in our colonial diet. Illustrations include etchings from the book; works by the Dutch masters such as kitchen scenes by Joachim Beuckelaer; market stalls by Quiringh van Brekelenkam and Pieter Cornelis van Rijck; as well as sumptuous still lifes by Abraham van Beyeren.
2) Art in Food and Food in Art
A lusciously illustrated slide or PowerPoint talk on food and drink seen in the art of the17th century Dutch Masters and their relevance to the American kitchen today: The talk 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..
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 19th 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.
5) The Forgotten Holidays
Explains the practices brought here by the Dutch settlers in the 17th 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.
(Note: the lecturer will bring her own PP equipment.)
For information on how to apply, please call: (212) 233 1131.
Please email me if you need further information!
Peter G. Rose will be a panelist at the upcoming Cookbook Conference, February 9-11, 2012 at the Roger Smith Hotel, 501 Lexington Avenue, NYC. For information contact: ASmith1946@aol.com.
May 10, 2012, at 7:00 pm: Tappan Library, Tappan, NY, Dutch Influence on the American Kitchen and Life. For information, please contact Jill Gross, 845 359 3877. Sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities.
May 13, 2012, at 2:00 pm: Lefferts House, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, From Garden to Table. For information, please contact Elyse Newman 718 789 2822 (X 302).Sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities.
August 8, 2012, at 6:30 pm: Mount Saint Mary College Desmond Campus for Adult Enrichment, Dutch Influence on the American Kitchen and Life. For information, please contact Jennifer Laubach, 845 565 2076. Sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities.
September 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm: Hurley Historical Society, Hurley Reformed Church, Hurley, NY From Garden to Table. For information, please contact Joan Castka, 845 331 4852. Sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities.
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.