The Poultney Historical Society will host a lecture entitled “Soup to Nuts: An Eccentric History of Food” with historian Rebecca Rupp at the Poultney Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m.

Attendees will learn the history of what and how we eat, encompassing everything from the prehistoric mammoth luau to the medieval banquet to the modern three squares a day.

Find out about the rocky evolution of table manners, the not-so-welcome invention of the fork, the awful advent of portable soup and the surprising benefits of family dinners – plus some catchy info on seasonal foods.

What’s the story of chocolate? Why do the Irish eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day? Who invented lemonade? Why are turkeys called turkeys? And what are sugarplums anyway?

Guest speaker Rebecca Rupp has a Ph.D. in cell biology and biochemistry from George Washington University and now works as a professional writer.

She is the author of some 200 articles for national magazines – on topics ranging from the natural history of squirrels to the archaeology of privies – and nearly 20 books for both children and adults. She blogs on food science and history for National Geographic.

This lecture is funded by the Vermont Humanities Speakers Bureau. This is a free lecture and snacks will be served.

Poultney Public Library is located at 205 Main St., Poultney, Vermont.