America's Kitchens
Historic New England, Boston, MA
This traveling exhibition traces the role of the kitchen in the lives of Americans from the colonial period through the present and into the future. Based on specific historical kitchens, the exhibition features a series of recreated kitchen vignettes varying in size from full-scale recreations to single iconic object. Large format color graphics, in conjunction with scenic elements, illustrate a single moment in time. Each vignette shows a kitchen in the midst of activity — such as canning peaches — as if the individuals have momentarily stepped away. The use of theatrical lighting, aroma, ambient sound, and faux food all bring the setting to life. Personal stories are relayed through audio and video.
Designed to be installed at a minimum of six venues, the exhibit is flexible and adaptable. Platforms that display heavy objects do double-duty as shipping palettes in order to facilitate ease of moving and set-up.
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