2003 Year in Review

Morrison's Heritage Museum Closed Prior to Installation

Morrison’s Heritage Museum will be closed Monday through Friday afternoon, July 14-18, to prepare the installation of a special attraction, “Key Ingredients: America by Food.” The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony Friday evening, July 18, at 7:00 P.M. The historic Whiteside County museum is located near the intersection of U.S. 30 and IL 78. Dr. Bruce Kraig, consultant, history professor, and cookbook author will deliver the keynote address at 7:30.

Through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC the Illinois Humanities Council will bring “Key Ingredients” to Morrison’s Heritage Museum from July 18 through September 1. This installation deals with food production, regional specialties, technological advances, food traditions, and home cooking.

The display covers 800-square feet, using five, tall kiosks plus an introduction area. It will be necessary to rearrange and store current museum items on display in order to install the new exhibit. Designed especially for small museums and historical societies, “Key Ingredients” will tour five Illinois communities from May 2003 to February 2004.

“Key Ingredients” examines the rich, regional food traditions found across the United States. It focuses on the diversity of foods and customs associated with them. Using photographs, illustrations, and artifacts, the exhibit investigates the way differences in culture, ethnicity, and class have created unique American food traditions.

A second aspect of the display examines the tremendous effect technological innovation has had on America’s food traditions, from changes in kitchen appliances, to the development of multi-market conglomerates.

Morrison Historical Society is honored to receive the Smithsonian Institution exhibit. In order to offer this exhibit to the public, museum hours will be expanded. From July 19 through September 1, Morrison’s Heritage Museum will open daily, Monday through Saturday 9:00-4:00 and Sunday 1:00-4:00.

Docents will be available, or visitors can take a self-guided tour. The museum entrance, restroom, and all displays are handicapped accessible. An electric chair lift takes guests to the bottom floor. A ramp is located at the rear of the building.

Museums on Main Street (MOMS) is a unique Smithsonian Institution program. It brings Smithsonian-quality exhibitions to local museums, historical societies, libraries, and community centers in small- to medium-sized towns. These venues traditionally have limited access to such traveling exhibits, due to space and cost limitations. “Key Ingredients: America by Food” is a perfect example of their outreach program.

For further information call Jack Ottosen (815) 772-3013 or Morrison’s Heritage Museum 772-8889.

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
July 13, 2003