July 2026 Lunch and Learn- Ancient Grains

Through the examination of dietary staples such as maize, manioc, and potatoes, a unique window into the pre-Columbian world of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca can be found. Supported by proteins and produce, familiar dishes such as Pozole and Champurrado, or sweet treats such as Alegria reveal how religious beliefs across communities were informed by food and flavor. These familiar tastes in turn shaped indigenous world views and speaks to the interconnected nature of the central and south-American peoples.
Emily Barker is a dedicated public historian specializing in the intersection of food and culture. She believes food is a vital component to our cultural identity, and a powerful connector between people across time. In the museum, it acts as a bridge between generations and cultures, encourages critical thinking around one’s heritage, and builds community through unique stories.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, having double majored in History and Religious Studies. She completed her Museum Studies Certificate in May of 2026, and has begun work on her Masters’ thesis: a comparative analysis among three historical cookbooks. It analyzes the role of recipes as contemporary artifacts and investigates how recipes produce important windows into cultural and historical events
Tickets:
$28 - includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli - NON-MEMBER
$25 - includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli - MEMBER
$10 - Program Ticket ONLY
Rochester Deli's box lunches include a sandwich, chips, and a dessert (water will be provided). All sandwiches are on multi-grain bread* with leaf lettuce, tomato, with mayo and brown mustard on the side.
Sandwich options include: Roast Turkey, Sliced Tavern Ham, Angus Roast Beef, Chicken Breast Salad, Tuna salad, Egg Salad, and Grilled Veggie.
FAQ:
Who can I contact for more information?
Give us a call at 262-521-2859 and ask to speak to someone about Lunch & Learn.
What if I need to cancel my order?
Rochester Deli needs the lunch order by the Friday before the Lunch & Learn date. While you could cancel after that date, we will not issue a refund if you ordered a meal.
Refund Policy - Contact the organizer to request a refund