Explore the History of Science on the School Food Tray with Institute’s New ‘Lunchtime’ Exhibition Opening September 27

The Science History Institute presents Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray, a new exhibition that explores the surprising story behind one of the most familiar rites of passage—eating a school lunch. On view through January 2026, this exhibition offers a novel historical perspective on efforts to feed children in U.S. schools. Visitors will also learn about the unique and important Philadelphia connection in jumpstarting a national conversation around children’s access to food in the early 1900s.

The public is invited to Ring the Bell, It’s Lunchtime! An Opening Celebration on Friday, September 27, 2024, 5pm–8pm at 315 Chestnut Street in Old City Philadelphia. This free event features a school lunch-inspired tasting, curator’s talk, lunch-themed quizzo, and much more.

Drawing from nearly 250 years of rare scientific instruments, posters, pamphlets, photographs, and period editions of books popularizing new ideas about a proper diet, Lunchtime delves into the history of food science and the difficulty of feeding schoolchildren nationwide. The exhibition also highlights innovations like dehydrated and frozen foods, preservatives, and cellophane, as well as the leading role the federal government played in the development of the school lunch.

“This exhibition tucks a complex story of scientific and technological change, and the social forces they influenced and were influenced by into a simple conceptual framework—the school lunch tray,” says Jesse Smith, the Institute’s director of curatorial affairs and the exhibition’s curator.

Learn more about Lunchtime >>

Major support for Lunchtime has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Foodology by Univar Solutions, Quaker Houghton, and Fred and Elizabeth Weber.