NIU Libraries presents an evening of food, heritage, and regional culture in partnership with the Culinary Historians of Northern Illinois (CHNI).

The Library's Special Collections and Archives (SCA) Department recently received a significant donation of books and manuscripts from the CHNI related to its efforts to document the distinctive local food culture in the Northern Illinois region. This event will feature a tasting menu based on historic home recipes and locally-produced cookbooks from the collection, a display of selected materials, and presentations from CHNI president Gerry Rounds, community cookbook project coordinator Deb Lorentsen, and food culture scholar Dr. Bruce Kraig.

Join us in celebrating this new initiative between the SCA and CHNI to develop special collections and public programming focusing on diverse regional foodways and culinary history in support of NIU’s research, teaching, and service mission. NIU faculty, staff, students, and members of the extended community are welcome to attend this unique event.