By Brea Cunningham—
MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites the community to explore the rich history of food preservation with its original exhibition, Crisis Canning, opening October 12, 2024, and running through January 26, 2025. This exhibition highlights the evolution of canning as a crucial practice during times of crisis, showcasing historic objects from Minnetrista’s collection that exemplify how the art of food preservation has transformed from an ordinary cooking method into a vital form of emergency planning throughout American history.
Crisis Canning will reveal how wars, pandemics, and economic challenges have shaped canning practices and their role in promoting self-care and community support. “Canning seems like a modest household task, but it represents so much more,” shares Tania Said, Vice President of Exhibitions & Programs at Minnetrista. “This exhibition illustrates the importance of canning for independence, survival, and community connection, especially when seen through the lens of major historical crises like the World Wars, Great Depression, and the Covid pandemic. There is also the element of pride when seeing the fruits of your labor.”
In conjunction with the exhibition, Minnetrista is excited to showcase the original play, Bounty: The Orphan Jar, written by Jennifer Blackmer. Set during the Great Depression in Waco, Texas, the play follows Lillian Beckett as she grapples with a difficult choice between using a special jar for her family or donating it to a local children’s home. Inspired by a Ball jar from the Minnetrista Heritage Collection, Bounty highlights the importance of canning for both survival and community support. The play will be performed every Saturday through December 28, 2024.
Additionally, Minnetrista will host a series of engaging canning workshops and tours, including:
Apple Wedges in Cinnamon Red Hot Syrup™ on October 12
A special Canning in the Collections tour on November 7
Cranberry-Apple Preserves on November 8
Brandied Apple Rings on November 14
Tapas & Talk on December 18
These hands-on experiences offer participants the chance to learn the art of canning and create their own preserves while exploring the cultural significance of this time-honored practice. Crisis Canning is more than an exhibition; it’s an opportunity for our community to connect with a vital part of our history and discover the importance of food preservation in challenging times. Through workshops and interactive programming, we aim to inspire visitors to appreciate canning as both a practical skill and a means of supporting one another.
Join us for the opening of Crisis Canning on October 12, 2024, and take part in the workshops to enhance your canning skills. Pre-registration for workshops is highly encouraged. Crisis Canning is presented by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County and Newell Brands, and supported by LifeStream.
For more information, visit minnetrista.net or call 765.282.4848. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest updates on our exhibitions and events.
