What does Soul Food mean to you? We sometimes forget the fascinating histories of the foods we are so familiar with today. Traditional southern soul food was influenced by the West Africans who were forcibly brought here centuries ago. Dispersing to all parts of the colonies and beyond, the influence of traditional West African cuisine and cooking methodology touched everywhere the enslaved Africans were placed, passed down through generations. These rich legacies permeated the foods cooked in hearths from New England to Georgia.
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Representation of Hannah Van Cleaf by the hearth at Marlpit Hall
Marlpit Hall c.1890
Sunday, August 7th
2-5pm
Marpit Hall
137 Kings Hwy
Middletown, NJ
$20
After touring the award-winning exhibit, Beneath the Floorboards: Whispers of the Enslaved at Marlpit Hall, you are invited to attend a presentation by Professor Gilda Rogers, Executive Director of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, discussing traditional African food culture and how it came to influence the modern soul food of today. You will also have an opportunity to taste several historical recipes recreated by Chef Ada Asghedom of the acclaimed Ada's Gojjo in Asbury Park. The recipes were selected for their ties to West African tradition and give a glimpse into what may have been familiar to, or even prepared by, the enslaved at Marlpit Hall through their ancestral heritage and community. Finally, a special cast of lifelong soul food cooks from the African American community will be preparing some of their specialties as well! Join us in this unique opportunity to experience history!
We hope you will join us for this special event! Space is limited, so get your tickets today!
