We Are What We Eat is on view from Monday, April 1–Friday, August 30, 2024 on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library in the Dietrich Gallery.
"Food is more than just fuel to sustain our bodies; it's an important part of our cultural and social identity."
The Free Library's newest exhibition from the Special Collections Division, We Are What We Eat, explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve the flavors and traditions of our ancestors. Food also connects us with the here and now, helping to build social bonds through sharing meals. In addition to connecting us with our culture and the people around us, food also exists as a form of self-expression. Dietary choices may reflect our values and beliefs. Certain foods may invoke special sensory memories, making them deeply ingrained in our selfhood. Where and how we get our food raises ethical questions about the environment and equity of access.
Enjoy specially curated items from the Free Library's Rare Book Department, Print and Picture Collection, Map Collection, Children's Literature Research Collection, and Sheet Music Collection that intertwine to tell the many stories of food's role in our lives.
Visit We Are What We Eat in the Dietrich Gallery on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library. The exhibition is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
EventsCheck out the Library's Events page for exhibition-related programs and tours.
Recipes and ResourcesExplore related resources and review the recipes featured in We Are What We Eat.
Learn more about the Free Library's Special Collections Division.
We Are What We Eat, and its related programming is made possible by the work of staff members from the Free Library of Philadelphia across many divisions and departments, particularly Special Collections, the Graphic Design Studio, and Collection Care. Sincere thanks to the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired for providing accessibility features.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.