Wrather Museum To Host Smithsonian Exhibit On “FOOD”

The Murray State University Libraries are pleased to celebrate the centennial of the Wrather West Kentucky Museum by bringing the traveling Smithsonian Exhibit, FOOD: Transforming the American Table, to the community for the fall season. Along with this free exhibit, which opens August 20, Wrather will also host a series of associated community events connected with the theme of the exhibit, including an interactive lecture with chef Sara Bradley and a food tasting event.

Julia Child’s home kitchen, with its hundreds of tools, appliances and furnishings, serves as the opening story of the museum’s first major exhibition on food history. From the impact of new technologies, to the influence of social and cultural changes, the exhibition explores the transformation of food and drink in post-World War II America, as well as what we know (or think we know) about what’s good for us. The public is invited to take a seat at a large, communal table in the center of the exhibition to share their own thoughts and experiences about food and change in the United States.

Visitors to the museum will also be able to enjoy an accompanying local food exhibit curated by Murray State University students.

In addition to the new exhibits, the community is also invited to several events which will be held at Wrather throughout the fall:

“It’s a real treat for visitors whenever Kentucky Humanities helps engineer a collaboration between Wrather Museum and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, and we’re absolutely delighted by our most recent one, ‘FOOD,’ that will open to the public in August 2024,” said Dr. Jeff McLaughlin, Murray State University Libraries Special Collections and Exhibits director. “All of our companion programming came together through the efforts of Murray State students, either those in the museum studies minor or paid workers at the museum, and they have gained valuable experience that will help prepare them for careers in cultural institutions after graduation. There’s something for the entire community here, and we especially encourage parents of school-aged children in particular to bring the family out to enjoy a Smithsonian exhibit right here at home.”