University of Guelph Culinary Collections Tour

As we prepare to celebrate Food Day Canada, please join us for a special morning at the University of Guelph's Culinary Collections.

The event will begin with light refreshments provided in the Robert Whitelaw Room (LIB 246B) on the 2nd floor of the McLaughlin Library. This will be followed by a short presentation by Ashley Shifflett McBrayne (Archival & Special Collections) and (Department of History) about working with the Culinary Collections housed in the archives and the development of “What Canada Ate,” an online repository of digitized selections from the Canadian Cookbook Collection.

Afterwards, attendees can view the new exhibit “Kitchens of the Future: Food, Technology, and Convenience Culture in Cold War Canada” on the first floor of the library. The curators will be available to answer questions.

About the Exhibit

The period after the end of the Second World War in 1945 is often described as a “golden age” in Canada due to economic growth and the Baby Boom. However, it was also a time of uncertainty because of the tensions created by the Cold War. This exhibition considers how the anxieties of the postwar years were demonstrated in unexpected places, such as Canadians’ kitchens. The cookbooks and artifacts on display showcase some of the more prominent features of the period, such as the development of convenience cooking, new modes of technology, the focus on health and nutrition, strict gender roles and ideologies, and the “buy Canadian” movement.

About Food Day Canada

Food Day Canada is a national celebration of food grown and produced in Canada. It honours everyone involved in the food system, from producers to suppliers to consumers. Founded by Anita Stewart, U of G’s first Food Laureate and a lifelong advocate for Canadian cuisine, Food Day Canada brings people together to share meals, support local food, and celebrate our national culinary identity. In 2023, the Food Day in Canada Act was passed in Parliament, making it an officially recognized national day.

During the event, we will take a moment to recognize Anita Stewart, whose passion for Canadian cuisine continues to inspire.

Seats are limited so please make sure to RSVP soon!

Whether you're passionate about food, history, or culture, or just curious to learn more, this is the place to start.

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Guelph, Exhibitions in Guelph, Health & Wellness events in Guelph.