Maryland’s rich food traditions are the main meal as the Maryland Humanities Council serves up the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit, Key Ingredients: America by Food to Maryland from June 2007 through April 2008.

This innovative exhibition explores American culture through foodways: the procurement, preparation, and presentation of the things that we eat.

If you have ever wondered what ramps, beaten
biscuits, snow-cones, rock, and # 1 jimmies mean to
the cuisine and culture of Maryland, visit the exhibit in one of six communities that represent the diversity of our state's food traditions: Boonsboro, Bowie, Cambridge, Elkton, Frostburg, and Prince Frederick.

Key Ingredients is part of Museum on Main Street program, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the Federation of State Humanities Councils.

Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Boonsboro, MD 
June 22, 2007-August 7, 2007
Here slippery pot pie and puddin' meet grits and sweet
tea. According to Tom Riford, President of the
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and  Visitors Bureau, "The collection and displays at the Rural Heritage Museum present a window to the past.  Residents and visitors alike will welcome the Smithsonian's view of the historical, regional, and social-traditions of meals and celebrations."

Learn the story behind the meal — Select an image for tales of Maryland foodways!   Time to make the doughnuts in Washington   Family traditions in Cecil   Ramp it up in Garrett   Well equipped in Prince George's   Off the hook in Calvert   Soup — and biscuits — are on in Dorchester   Hungry for more?   Read 'em and eat with this selection of food-related books!   Check out these films that are sure to stimulate your mind and appetite!   Share your favorite recipe with the American Cookbook Project!

Historical Society of Cecil County/ Cecil County Arts Council, Elkton, MD  
August 10, 2007 - September 22, 2007
"The Historical Society of Cecil County is pleased to
co-host Key Ingredients.  It is a wonderful opportunity to highlight our county's deep culinary tradition and bring a high quality exhibit, sponsored by the nation's leading institution, to Cecil.  We are looking forward to working with our community and our partner, the Cecil County
Arts Council." -Eric Jodlbauer, Collections Manager, Historical Society of Cecil County

Compton Science Center Exploratorium at Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD  
September 28, 2007 - November 10, 2007
"Given the communal spirit embraced by its exploration
of food's role in shaping and commemorating culture, the exhibit will be a wonderful way to introduce the regional community to Frostburg State University's newest museum, Compton Science Center Exploratorium.  With local partners, we will develop programs that document and celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage. This exhibit and complementary programming will serve as a model for future community-based museum projects." -Kara Rogers Thomas, Folklorist, FSU

City of Bowie Museums, Bowie, MD
November 16, 2007 - January 5, 2008
"Key Ingredients offers an opportunity for the City of
Bowie Museums to become a venue for celebration of the incredible cultural diversity within our area.  We are excited at the potential for outreach and partnerships within our community - particularly schools, churches
and civic organizations.  It will truly be a key ingredient
for fun, enjoyment, education, and dining diversity!"
-Pam Williams, Assistant Museums Director, City of Bowie Museums

Calvert Library, Prince Frederick, MD
January 11, 2008 - February 23, 2008
"We are excited to host a Smithsonian exhibit in our
new building.  This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Calvert County's history of farmers and watermen as our economic base and our "key ingredient" providers. We are always looking for a new excuse to have another church supper or Bull & Oyster Roast. Come one, come all!" -Patricia Hofmann, Director, Calvert Library

Dorchester County Historical Society, Cambridge, MD
February 29, 2008-April 12, 2008
"We are delighted that the Dorchester County Historical Society has been chosen to host Key Ingredients. Dorchester is known for its food, including seafood, game, and fruits and vegetables. We look forward to celebrating the rich variety of agricultural, maritime, and hunting and trapping traditions on the Eastern Shore of Maryland." -Virginia S. Jenkins, Project Director, Dorchester County Historical Society

For more information about Key Ingredients: America by Food, please contact Jean Wortman, 410-685-4187 or jwortman@mdhc.org.