The history of the Midwest is remarkable for many reasons, not least of which is the diversity of its population, and therefore of its regional cuisine. There were reliable foods here, and migration from Meso-America introduced more. But myriad other foods entered and mingled as people escaping war, poverty, and famine began flooding into the young country. Between 1850 and 1910, the Midwest grew faster than any other region in history. Migrants from China, Europe, Mexico, and other regions of the U.S. brought traditions, which mixed and evolved. The food culture of a region famed for abundance became hard to define (but worth exploring) because of its diversity. This coffee talk is presented by Cynthia Clampitt, who has been writing and talking about food history for thirty years and has authored multiple books on the subject.
The 2026 Coffee Talk Series is generously supported by Village Bank & Trust.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Community Group | Adult Program |
TAGS: | History | Cooking and Food | Author Visit |
The Des Plaines History Center collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Des Plaines and its people and provides access to those resources through exhibits, educational programs, and research facilities.
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