An exhibit celebrating the fifth anniversary of Eating the Past, a food history podcast on Utah Public Radio, will open on September 17 in the Merrill-Cazier Library atrium at Utah State University. Eating the Past: Cookbooks in the Archives explores the history of food through rare and historic cookbooks and other culinary artifacts from Utah State University Libraries' Special Collections & Archives.

The exhibit examines how cookbooks document culture, community, health, innovation, and everyday life. Visitors will discover historic cookbooks alongside photographs, menus, advertisements, and other archival materials that reveal how and why our food traditions change over time. From early medicinal and home economics guides to community cookbooks and modern food trends, the exhibit highlights the many ways food connects us to our past.

Eating the Past: Cookbooks in the Archives celebrates five years of sharing food history while showcasing the remarkable culinary collections preserved by Special Collections & Archives.

UPR's Eating the Past

Eating the Past debuted in 2021 as a video series before expanding into a weekly radio program on Utah Public Radio hosted by Utah State University faculty. Each episode explores the history behind the foods we eat through recipes, research, interviews, and personal stories. The program airs Sundays at noon before The Splendid Table.

Meet the Eating the Past Hosts

An opening reception will be held September 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Merrill-Cazier Library atrium. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the hosts of Eating the Past, sample historic treats, and explore the exhibit. The exhibit will remain on display through November 23 and is free and open to the public.