Pennsylvania archives M o n t h

October 2012

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RG–31 Records of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Vacation and Travel Development, Black and White Photograph file: Vegetables—Apple blossoms.

bringing

histOry tO the table

RG–1 Records of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture, Press Office Photographs, 1890–2003: Vegetables—Cabbage.

RG–31 Records of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Vacation and Travel Development, Black and White Photograph file: Vegetables—Mushrooms ready for the market.

Pennsylvania archives Month 2012 Bringing History to the Table

T he Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has adopted “The Land of Penn and Plenty: Bringing

History to the Table” as its 2012 theme. The Pennsylvania State Archives images featured on this poster reflect Pennsylvania’s agricultural and culinary heritage. Since its founding in 1681 by William Penn (1644–1718), Pennsylvania has been universally acknowledged for its abundance of rich soil, game, fish, and fowl, a bountiful legacy that spawned culinary traditions over the past three centuries. This legacy has been made more expansive by the diverse individuals Penn welcomed to his colony, all of whom brought distinctive culinary customs from their native countries that have created an unusual mosaic made up of both regional and ethnic tastes and foodways. Pennsylvania’s culinary landscape continues to evolve with new arriving immigrants. From the earliest Swedish, English, and German pioneers to following Irish, Scots, African, Eastern, Southern and Central European, and Italian settlers, and later Asians and Latinos during mid- to late twentieth century, Pennsylvania is truly a “melting pot” of nationalities and their culinary experiences. As we look back through time to assess the impact of food on our history and heritage, we must also look to today and forward to the future. Food sustains our economy; agriculture is the commonwealth’s largest industry. Pennsylvania is home to farms, orchards, farmers markets, hatcheries and fisheries, grain mills, breweries, canneries, vineyards, butchers, processors, factories, and bakeries that produce a number of time-honored staples as well as new and unusual foods made possible by innovative technologies. In addition, we respect our longstanding tradition of “farm to table,” which provides healthy Pennsylvania-grown produce and locally-made foodstuffs for our families. PHMC’s 2012 theme “The Land of Penn and Plenty: Bringing History to the Table” invites all residents and visitors to sample and share the richness and diversity that Pennsylvania offers.

Bring your collections to the taBle this archives Month!

● Feature an exhibit of significantly themed images, documents, stories, etc. ● Create a finding aid/guide or organize a compilation of a valuable collection. ● Highlight an influential collection or individual in your newsletter.● Recruit an intern or volunteer to make a relevant collection more accessible to researchers.● Purchase long-term preservation and storage supplies. ● Hold a collection day, or circulate press releases requesting oral histories, memorabilia, and other items. ● Conduct an oral history interview or transcribe existing audio.● Host a speaker to discuss a relevant topic.● Volunteer your organization as a resource for students preparing National History Day projects.● Host a PHMC Archives Without Tears training workshop.

For information about Archives Without Tears, the State Archives’ inexpensive two-day archival workshop, please contact Josh Stahlman at jostahlman@pa.gov or visit: www.phmc.state.pa.us or telephone (717) 772-3257.

Bringing History to the Table

THE LAND OF PENN & PLENTY

MG–213 Postcard Collection, County File, Allegheny: Strawberry Day at the “Home of the 57,” Pittsburgh, Pa. The Heinz Company known globally today began as Heinz and

Noble in 1869 in Pittsburgh.

RG–1 Records of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture, Press Office Photographs, 1890–2003: Insects, Bees, Honey.

RG–1 Records of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture, Press Office Photographs, 1890–2003:

1955 Farm Show Milk Exhibit.

RG–31 Records of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Vacation and Travel Development: Black and White Photograph file: Fishing—Fifteen pound trout, Dauphin County.

RG–1 Records of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture, Press Office Photographs, 1890–2003: Potatoes.