LUNCH WITH BOOKS LIVESTREAM ONLY: 57 Servings From The Heinz Table

September 07, 2021
12:00pm - 1:00pm

NOTE: This program has been changed to online only. Tune into the Lunch With Books Facebook page, or YouTube Channel, to view live, or visit the LWB Livestream page on the OCPL website to watch a recording of the program following the broadcast. 

The Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Company turned 150 years old in 2019. To celebrate, the Heinz History Center published this colorful retelling in 57 short chapters of Heinz company history. Drawing upon a vast collection of historical images and artifacts, the book details the company's evolution. It includes different advertising strategies, as well as novelties like the iconic Heinz pickle pin and a circa- 1900 board game called “Life of a Heinz Pickle”.

The pages are filled with images of the center’s expansive collection of Heinz artifacts, many of which are on display in the building’s 2,700-square-foot exhibit. In the book, objects are accompanied by anecdotes and historical information. For example, in England, baked beans are the most identifiable Heinz product, not ketchup. 

Heinz’s factory culture is described throughout the book as “innovative” and “revolutionary.” Ruby said Heinz was affected by the strikes and labor unrest he witnessed in the steel industry, especially the 1877 railroad strike. His factories used “state-of-the-art” methods and machines, including a ventilation system and fireproof doors. Because he could pay women less than men (and because many men were attracted to the higher salaries at the steel mills), he employed many female bottlers, and offered after-hours classes including dressmaking, cooking, and singing. HHC Curator and author of 57 Servings From The Heinz Table, Emily Ruby, will share these collected stories.

This virtual program will be available to watch live on Facebook Live, on YouTube, and on the OCPL website's LWB Livestream page.  Log into your Facebook or YouTube account during the program to leave questions for our presenter in the comments box. She will answer them during the live broadcast. 

PRESENTER BIO: Emily Ruby is Curator at the Senator John Heinz History Center, where she oversaw research and interpretation for the new Heinz exhibit. She has authored numerous articles in material culture for the History Center's journal, Western Pennsylvania History, and lectures frequently on the subjects of food and culture.

FEATURED BOOK: 57 Servings From the Heinz Table, written by Emily Ruby (Published by the Senator John Heinz History Center, January 1, 2019). 
[ Reserve a copy from the Library  |  Purchase a copy from the Heinz History Center ]

Winner of a 2019 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA, 57 Servings is a colorful retelling of early Heinz company history — in 57 short chapters — using the Heinz History Center's vast collection of images and artifacts. 

ABOUT THE HEINZ HISTORY CENTER:
The Senator John Heinz History Center traces its roots back to 1879, making it the oldest cultural institution in Western Pennsylvania. In 1879, the Old Residents of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania established a historical society to help preserve local history. Five years later, the name changed to the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and has been in continuous existence for more than 135 years. Known now as the Senator John Heinz History Center, the museum system includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives, the Fort Pitt Museum, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, and the Museum Conservation Center.

The Senator John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum are currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. You can always experience the museum through virtual exhibition tours, family activities, podcasts, curator videos, thousands of historic images, and much more on the History Center’s History at Home online hub.  

The Ohio County Public Library is a member of the History Center Affiliates Program and has been able to participate in Archives workshops, host genealogical workshops, and host traveling exhibits through this affiliation. 

Lunch With Books Livestream starts at noon on Facebook and YouTube.

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"Lunch With Books" is the library’s flagship program for adult patrons. These lunchtime programs feature authors, poets, musicians, historians, and more every Tuesday at noon. Bring lunch (to your computer), feed your brain!