Author – Speaker – Historian

Professional History

Where food, history and culture meet. Essays, books, and talks that connect our kitchen to living heritage

As seen in NYT

As seen in GOURMET

As seen in SAVEUR

As seen in Eating Well

As heard in NPR

Professional History

Updated profile with current roles and selected highlights. (Revised per latest document.)

Professional Profile

Internationally known food historian and author of 22 books; featured on national programs and in major publications; consultant and curator for culinary history projects.

Selected Projects & Roles

Teaching: University of Pennsylvania; Drexel University (guest/adjunct). Curatorial: The Larder Invaded, America Eats, and related exhibitions. Editorial: Associate & Art Editor for Encyclopedia of Food and Culture (Dartmouth Medal).

Books & Awards (selected)

  • Heirloom Vegetable Gardening — Julia Child Award; Jane Grigson Award; new 2018 edition with William’s photography.
  • Culinary Ephemera — IACP Award for Culinary History.
  • Recent & forthcoming: The Roughwood Book of Pickling (2019), Flavors from the Garden (2021), Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Tales (2022), Pepperpot City (2026).

Media & Mentors

Appearances include NPR and Good Morning America. Mentored by Julie Dannenbaum.

Identity & Focus

Writer first and foremost. Gardening informs the work, but the core is research, writing, and public scholarship.

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Professional History (PDF)

Photography

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