Culinary historian Andrea L. Broomfield speaks about the Titanic’s menu
Instructor Carolyn Benton Cockefair believed that everyone – not only traditional college-age students – should continue learning. In honor of this sentiment, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is hosting its 44th annual Carolyn Benton Cockefair Continuing Education Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, August 11 at the UMKC University Center’s Pierson Auditorium, 5000 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
To begin this year’s series, culinary historian and English Professor Andrea L. Broomfield will present “The Night the Good Ship Went Down: Three Dinners Served Aboard the Titanic and What They Tell us About Class, Power, and Nationalism on the Eve of World War I”. The event will feature meals modeled after the food served aboard the Titanic. Tickets are $18.50 per person. To purchase tickets, contact UMKC’s Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222.
Because of the rise of mass consumer culture in the early 20th century, the increasingly competitive steamship industry was forced to loosen existing class structures to succeed financially. Instead of strictly catering to the 1st class, the Titanic also served 2nd and 3rd class customers.
Broomfield’s latest research focuses on the history of food and cooking in 20th century Britain. She is the author of “Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History” and co-editor of “Prose by Victorian Women: An Anthology”. She also has written several articles and book chapters on Victorian literature, culinary history and women’s journalism.
In addition to her career as culinary historian, Broomfield serves as associate professor of English at Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Before joining JCCC, she served as an assistant professor of English at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Broomfield received her Ph.D. from Temple University in 1994.
The Series, formed in 1966 by Cockefair’s former students, has brought such intellectuals as Tess Gallagher, James Michener, Jeane Kirkpatrick, John Updike and Tom Wolfe to Kansas City. Its purpose is to continue what Cockefair started when she first came to the then University of Kansas City in 1947.
Throughout her 17 years at the University, Cockefair drew a following from students and non-credited students who were attracted to her Socratic style of teaching and her ability to link history to current events.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.