Historical Society to launch ‘Heritage Food Institute’

The Sonoma Valley Historical Society is launching the Sonoma Heritage Food Institute, “a resource for community members, scholars, educators and civic leaders,” the group announced last week in a press release.

“The goal of the Institute is to create an accessible research collection on everything from the hunter/gatherer cultures of local indigenous First Peoples, to Luther Burbank, to 21st century farmers who use drones to make decisions about vineyard management,” the press release said. “Climate change, immigration, and the diversity of food traditions, earthquakes and wildfires are also part of the story.”

The SHFI will be led Kathleen Hill, who will use oral histories she has recorded and, with the help of volunteers, will interview additional people “whose enterprises have influenced the food heritage of Sonoma and beyond.”

The Historical Society is hoping residents can contribute old food advertisements, photographs, pamphlets, menus, recipes and community cookbooks. Those with contributions can contact Hill at kathleensonoma@gmail.com. Hill is also a contributing food writer to the Index-Tribune.

“Sonoma’s storied heritage of food and wine is a microcosm of California, and exemplifies why the Golden State is celebrated for its contributions to American culinary tradition and culture,” the press release said.