In Episode 09 of Brooklyn Historical Society’s podcast Flatbush + Main, co-hosts Zaheer Ali and Julie Golia dig into their most delicious topic yet: food and identity in Brooklyn. They speak to historical gastronomist Sarah Lohman to find out exactly what a historical gastronomist is, and to learn about some ingredients that have shaped the course of American history. In “Into the Archives,” they explore a 19th-century recipe book created by two generations of Brooklyn women and think about gender roles, the politics of food preparation, and the preservation of Dutch culture in Flatbush. Finally, they listen to a clip from the oral history of Ericka Basile, a Brooklynite of African, French and Taíno ancestry. Basile reflects on the ways that Creole food informed her childhood, her relationships, and her identity. In their endorsements, Julie and Zaheer share some of the foods that have shaped who they are today. We’d love to hear about how food has shaped your identity. Share your food memories by using the hashtag #flatbushandmain.

Flatbush + Main Ep 09: Food and Identity, Brooklyn Style (December 20, 2016)

The Center for Brooklyn History collects, preserves and makes accessible the most comprehensive collection of materials related to Brooklyn’s history and culture in the world.