Kelly A. Spring, the Washington, D.C.-based author of SPAM: A Global History, visits the Henrietta Public Library to explore the cultural history of the celebrated—and derided—canned protein. SPAM tasting to follow!

Last year marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a conflict that solidified SPAM's place in global food culture. Created by Hormel Foods in 1937 to utilize surplus pork during the Great Depression, SPAM became an essential resource (and marker of American food culture) during the war. Although the enduring proteins in SPAM played a crucial role during wartime and continues to influence global diets, SPAM has endured a bad reputation in the United States for decades. Many Americans look down on the pork product and even view it with disdain.

This talk aims to set the record straight. The author will tackle the primary myths that relegate SPAM to a lower status in the American food system while providing audience members with an overview of the processed product by charting its long, 89-year history, and exploring its enduring appeal around the world.

Kelly A. Spring, owner of The Fork Front and convenor of the IHR Food History Seminar, is a food history researcher. Her work examines the history of global food systems.

Henrietta Public Library is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events. To request a reasonable accommodation or discuss your needs, please fill out the box on the registration form and/or contact jim.byrne@libraryweb.org or call the library at 359-7092.