Key Ingredients: America by Food

You are cordially invited to visit The Polson from May 31 to July 20. With Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian Institution, we are pleased to present you this traveling exhibit. We are the first museum to host it in Washington — one of just one hundred and fifty nationally.

Funded in part by Humanities Washington, Key Ingredients explores the connections between Americans and the foods we produce, prepare, preserve, and present at table. It is a provocative, thoughtful look at the historical, regional, and social traditions that merge in our everyday meals and celebrations.

What exactly are kolaces, spaetzle and pierogie? Most of us don't give a thought to the hidden wealth of history and culture that shapes common dining habits and taste preferences.

American recipes, menus, ceremonies, and etiquette are all shaped by our nation’s immigrant experience, the history and innovations of our food preparation technology, and the ever-changing availability of "key ingredients."

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, Key Ingredients examines the evolution of the American kitchen and shows how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled us to choose from a staggering variety of frozen, prepared, and fresh foods. It looks beyond the home to restaurants, diners, and celebrations that help build our sense of community through food.

Key Ingredients stimulates comparisons of "back then" and "right now," "over there" and "right here." It will surely engage visitors, creating conversations and inspiring recollection and celebration on Grays Harbor.

Come and enjoy!