An Evening of Colonial Foodways: Lecture & Tasting

Step back in time for an evening exploring the culinary traditions of colonial America and the early United States. Food historian Dr. Beth Forrest and Chef-Professor Bobby Perillo, along with students from the Culinary Institute of America, will present an evening of lecture and tastings centered on colonial and early American foodways featuring local ingredients. Learn how Indigenous, African, and European influences shaped the meals in the Hudson Valley and beyond, and discover how food reflected broader themes of environment, heritage, and identity in the colonies and the emerging republic.

Following the lecture, enjoy a curated tasting of dishes prepared from historic recipes. Savor flavors both familiar and unexpected, where each bite offers a deeper understanding of the past. This program is offered in partnership with the Town of Poughkeepsie Historic Preservation Commission and the Poughkeepsie Public Library District, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the events that led to the American Revolution. Registration required.