MEDIA RELEASE

The Lyman Museum, in cooperation with the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, is hosting “Key Ingredients: America by Food,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition showcasing the historical, regional and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations of the American table.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 31. Museum members receive free admission; there is an admission fee for non-members.

The exhibition explores the diverse food traditions of America with a Hawaii companion exhibit which celebrates local food culture.

“This is exciting for Hilo because it’s the only opportunity on the Big Island to experience this exhibit— and where better a place, when we in Hilo have many of the finest and most traditional local food establishments anywhere in Hawaii!” museum director Dolly Strazar said.

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations, “Key Ingredients” examines how culture, ethnicity, landscape and tradition influence the foods and flavors enjoyed across the nation. The exhibit looks at the evolution of the American kitchen and how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled Americans to choose from an ever-wider variety of frozen, prepared and fresh foods.

The Hawaii edition of “Key Ingredients” features a companion exhibit developed by Kapiolani Community College. “Hawaii by Food: A Celebration of Hawaii’s Food Culture” illuminates the growth of Hawaii’s ethnically diverse food culture from the variety of ethnic groups and foods introduced to the islands.

“Key Ingredients” is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services, state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. The exhibit is made possible in Hilo by the Hawaii Council for the Humanities.

To learn more about “Key Ingredients” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.keyingredients.org or www.museumonmainstreet.org.

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural histories of Hawaii. Located at 276 Haili Street, the museum is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

— Find out more:
Lyman Museum: 935-5021, www.lymanmuseum.org