The Renton History Museum will host the only greater Seattle showing of Key Ingredients: America by Food, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, from March 21 through May 9. Key Ingredients will be the first Smithsonian Institution exhibit hosted by the Renton History Museum, and to celebrate, the exhibit will kick-off a three-month series of food events in Renton.
Key Ingredients explores the historical, regional and social traditions that merge in home-cooked meals, restaurant cuisine and celebrations. Sustaining A City also opens March 21 at Renton History Museum. That exhibit, to run indefinitely,is about Renton’s unique foodways.
After a VIP preview party March 20, Key Ingredients opens to the general public March 21. Opening Day activities include a special live broadcast of 97.3 FM KIRO Radio’s “In the Kitchen with Tom and Thierry” Show. Chefs Tom Douglas and Thierry Rautureau will be at the museum from 4–7 p.m.
In conjunction with the two exhibits, Renton will host a series of food events, classes and activities. Key events include:
• Western Regional Hot Food Championship, April 4–April 6 at Renton Technical College.
• Author Mark Winne speaks about “Closing the Food Gap” April 4, 3 p.m., Carco Theatre. Based on his book, “Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty.” Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, or free with a food item for Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank. Sponsored by the Renton History Museum.
• Productive Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces: Planning Raised Beds and Containers, presented by WSU King County Extension. April 8, 6-8 p.m., Renton Technical College.
• 3 Feet Under: Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam, April 16, 4:30 p.m., Carco Theatre. A screening of the Emmy-nominated film by Justin Bookey. Admission $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Sponsored by the Renton History Museum.
• “Taste of The Landing,” April 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The opening celebration of Renton’s new urban village.
• “An Afternoon with Greg Atkinson,” May 7, 4:30 p.m., Carco Theatre. Local chef and cookbook author Greg Atkinson and West Coast regional cuisine. Admission $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Sponsored by Renton History Museum.
• Local Food Year-Round: Simple Methods for Preserving Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, presented by WSU King County Extension. May 13, 6-8 p.m., Renton Technical College.
• The Renton History Museum is also offering an essay contest for youth, and an ongoing trivia contest with weekly prizes.
• Renton Technical College is hosting a series of culinary classes over the next three months. For further information, visit
RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM
The Renton History Museum is at 235 Mill Avenue South, and its hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, visit Renton History Museum.
