South Carolina State Museum Gears Up to Showcase Black Culinary Traditions

South Carolina State Museum Gears Up to Showcase Black Culinary Traditions

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina State Museum is set to host an exciting event called “Harvesting Heritage: A History of Black Culinary Traditions in the Palmetto State”. The event, featuring renowned chef and food writer, Amethyst Ganaway, is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. This marks the beginning of a yearlong collaborative venture between the State Museum and the acclaimed culinary expert.

Ganaway Leads the Evening

During the special evening, guests will be treated to an array of South Carolina culinary staples reimagined. The menu is set to include Lowcountry shrimp toast, Upstate peach and pea salad, PeeDee boiled peanuts, Carolina Gold middlins, and more; all prepared and presented by Ganaway. As an added highlight, the culinary pro will engage in an enlightening discussion with celebrated artist and storyteller Natalie Daise.

A Journey through Regional Culinary Landscapes

Starting from August, Ganaway will spearhead a series of six programs at the State Museum. These will delve into diverse regional food cultures of South Carolina and will feature a host of industry experts, including chefs, farmers, policymakers. These regional explorations will range from understanding the influence of tobacco culture and food practices in PeeDee to recognizing the significant contribution of immigrant communities to the culinary scene in Upstate. The series aims to unearth the history, art, and creativity embedded in South Carolina’s food traditions.

A Partnership to Celebrate Black Culinary Heritage

Reflecting on the collaboration, Ganaway expressed her excitement and said, “I am so excited to partner with the State Museum to bring the stories, artistry, and living history of the foodways of the many African American communities across our state to life. I look forward to engaging with my neighbors within each region and to work alongside such a dedicated and established organization like the State Museum throughout 2024, 2025, and beyond.”

Originally from North Charleston, Ganaway has gained considerable recognition for her work in exploring Southern and African American foodways, as well as the food traditions of the African Disapora. Her work has been featured in noteworthy publications including the New York Times, Food & Wine, and Garden & Gun amongst others. More recently, she made headlines as the focus of the Charleston Wine + Food festival, using her platform to narrate the rich stories of the region’s history, culture, art, cuisine, and environment.

Ticket Information

Tickets for “Harvesting Heritage: A History of Black Culinary Traditions in the Palmetto State” are priced at $50 for the general public and $40 for museum members. This includes access to event activities, food servings, and a drink voucher. Tickets are available for purchase at the State Museum’s official website.

The South Carolina State Museum enthusiastically anticipates the event, well aware that it’s not just food on the table. Through this collaboration, it is essentially serving up a centuries-old culinary heritage, seasoned with layers of history, culture, and ingenuity; all stirred together in the inviting cauldron of community engagement and shared learning.

Source: HERE News Network

Author: HERE News