Batavia Depot Museum to host lecture on how pigs became part of popular culture

While Chicago is known as “Hog Butcher for the World,” the history and culture of pigs and pork production spans throughout the Midwest. A special presentation at Batavia Depot Museum explores the history of pigs and pork and how they’ve impacted the world.

Food writer and historian Cynthia Clampitt will give an entertaining and educational lecture, “Wild Boar to Baconfest: Pigs in History and Popular Culture” at Batavia Depot Museum on Thursday, June 20, from 7-9 p.m. Registration is required and tickets can be purchased for $12 online at bataviaparks.org.

“This presentation is an accompaniment to the Markets and Meals exhibit currently on display at the Depot Museum, as it will further enrich visitors’ knowledge of Batavia’s food systems,” said Batavia Depot Museum Director Kate Garrett.

“Diving into farm-to-table culture, Cynthia’s presentation will appeal to foodies and food historians,” she said. “Visitors will be able to sample some charcuterie as a local vendor will be providing a pork-forward charcuterie board featuring local products.”

As a foodie herself, Clampitt has been writing and talking about food history for 30 years and has written two books on food history. She has pursued her love for culture, food and history in 37 countries, but has recently been focused on the American Midwest.

Clampitt’s presentation will surely be enlightening for Batavians looking to learn more about Midwestern pig culture and how Batavia contributed a small part to the history and culture of hog production.

“Pigs were mainly produced for local consumption in early Batavia history,” said Garrett. “They helped contribute to the small, local agricultural system where they were produced for local stores to sell to their consumers.”

As people and cities evolved, so too did hog production. Clampitt’s Wild Boar to Baconfest presentation will highlight this evolution and how it impacted the world. For those looking to dive deeper into the Markets and Meals exhibit, this presentation will be a great companion as it will further discuss the fragility of food systems.

Batavia Depot Museum is at 155 Houston St. For more information on our Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.