Talk page
Title:
The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites
Speaker:
Abstract:
Dr. Libby O'Connell, chief historian for History Channel, will
discuss American culinary history and food traditions in this
talk drawn from her new book The American Plate: A Culinary
History in 100 Bites. Dr. O'Connell's lecture explores key moments
in U.S. history through the lens of food, from indigenous food
preparation to immigrant journeys to 20th century food fads,
to describe how and why food can be a central through-line for
understanding American history and culture.
Emmy-award-winning producer, preservationist, and cultural
historian Libby O’Connell is Senior Vice President of Corporate
Social Responsibility and Chief Historian for A+E Networks,
including the History Channel. As part of the History Channel’s
commitment to corporate citizenship, Dr. O’Connell executiveproduces
on site films for organizations such as the Smithsonian,
Ellis Island, and Gettysburg. She has received three Emmys for her
television work. Dr. O'Connell received her B.A. from Tufts
University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in American history from the
University of Virginia. She serves on the boards of the Thomas
Jefferson Foundation at Monticello and the Smithsonian Center for
Folklife and Cultural Heritage. In 2013, the White House appointed
her as a commissioner on the United States World War I Centennial
Commission. Dr. O’Connell is married to Matt O’Connell and has
two adult children. Growing up, her family traveled extensively,
which led to her lifelong fascination with international cultures.
Dr. O'Connell is the author of The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites, published in November 2014.
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