Every year, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History brings together food innovators, activists, educators, entrepreneurs, chefs, and scholars for conversations, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on activities with museum visitors to inspire a broader understanding of the history of food in America and the role we all play in shaping the future of food.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Smithsonian’s 6th annual Food History Weekend will be presented in a virtual format in 2020. Although we will miss welcoming our many audiences and special guests to the National Museum of American History, the health and safety of our audiences and staff are of primary importance. Rest assured that we have developed a dynamic series of online talks, demonstrations, interactive conversations, and activities around this year’s theme, Food Futures: Striving for Justice.

Food Futures will feature the voices of people involved in different aspects of the food system—from agricultural fields to restaurant kitchens, from food markets to food banks, from breweries to street food trucks, from classrooms to community centers. Our virtual gatherings will encourage people to share stories of resilience and creative relationship-building in the wake of unprecedented economic, cultural, and public health challenges. We will also explore models for food production and learn about many grassroots efforts across the country that have responded to the crisis. As we experience the energy and optimism of entrepreneurs, activists, and innovators in both food and drink, we will engage in some collective brainstorming on strategies for building a better food system together.