The Cookbook Shelves Project is a community-driven initiative that aims to collect and preserve cookbooks from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The project was founded by Michael W. Twitty, a culinary historian, author, and educator, in collaboration with culinary professionals, historians, and enthusiasts. The project seeks to bridge cultural gaps through the sharing of food traditions, history, and personal stories.
Background
Twitty’s interest in preserving culinary traditions began when he traced his genealogy through a DNA test. He found that he had roots in West and Central Africa, European Jewish, and Native American cultures. This discovery inspired him to explore the culinary traditions of his ancestors, and he started the Cooking Gene project, a book and documentary series that explores the history of Southern cuisine and its African American roots.
The Cookbook Shelves Project was born out of the Cooking Gene project, as Twitty realized that cookbooks were among the most important artifacts for understanding food history and culture. Cookbooks, according to Twitty, “contain more than recipes; they provide a rare window into the culture, values, and daily life of the people who wrote and used them.”
Goals and Objectives
The Cookbook Shelves Project has several goals, including:
1. Collecting cookbooks from different cultures and backgrounds: The project aims to collect cookbooks from all over the world, especially those that represent underrepresented groups and communities.
2. Creating a digital database of cookbooks: The Cookbook Shelves Project plans to create a digital database of cookbooks, accessible to everyone, to preserve and share culinary traditions.
3. Creating educational materials: The initiative will create educational materials, including online classes, workshops, and events, to promote food history and cultural exchange.
4. Engaging with communities: The Cookbook Shelves Project will engage with communities to build relationships, share stories and traditions, and celebrate culinary diversity.
Activities
The Cookbook Shelves Project has several ongoing activities, including:
1. Book donation drives: The initiative collects cookbooks from individuals, culinary organizations, and libraries. They accept cookbooks of all types, languages, and ages.
2. Book digitization: To preserve the cookbooks in a digital form, the project has partnered with the University of Michigan’s Special Collections Library to digitize the donated cookbooks and create a searchable database.
3. Curriculum development: The Cookbook Shelves Project has developed a curriculum for K-12 students that uses cookbooks as a tool for learning about history, culture, and food systems. The curriculum includes lesson plans, activities, and multimedia resources.
4. Online classes and workshops: To promote food education and cultural exchange, the project offers online classes and workshops on topics such as African American foodways, Jewish cuisine, and Native American foods.
Impact
The Cookbook Shelves Project has had an impact in several areas, including:
1. Preservation of culinary traditions: The Cookbook Shelves Project has helped preserve traditional recipes and cooking techniques that might have otherwise been lost.
2. Promotion of cultural exchange: The project has facilitated the sharing of food traditions and cultural values across different communities.
3. Education and awareness: By developing educational materials and offering online classes and workshops, the project has helped raise awareness about the importance of food history and cultural exchange.
4. Building community: The Cookbook Shelves Project has brought together individuals, culinary professionals, and organizations to celebrate culinary diversity and build relationships.
Conclusion
The Cookbook Shelves Project is a vital initiative that promotes food history, cultural exchange, and preservation of culinary traditions. Through its activities, the project provides a platform for underrepresented communities to share their food stories, celebrate their culinary heritage, and build relationships across cultural divides. The Cookbook Shelves Project serves as a reminder that food is not just sustenance; it is an essential aspect of cultural identity, history, and community building.
Posted by greg_guarino on 2014-09-01 02:26:40
