Les Mangeurs des Glace, 1825. Collection of Caroline and Robin Weir, London, England.
Good Humor truck, New York City, ca. 1926. From Licks, Sticks and Bricks: A World History of Ice Cream (Unilever, 1999).
Ice Cream: Our Cool Obsession
May 26, 2007 - October 31, 2008
Main Barn, The Farmer's Museum
The Farmers’ Museum presents a major exhibition exploring the rich history of ice cream, from its ancient origins through the present day. Ice Cream: Our Cool Obsession comprises historical artifacts, including Ben and Jerry's original freezer, contemporary and historical photography, and a retro ice cream parlor, where visitors can enjoy their favorite ice cream novelties.
Viewers will learn about the world's first ice creams—primitive water ices made with juices and wines circa 336-323 BCE—and their development into the ice cream we know today. The exhibition chronicles technological advances and social patterns in the domestic and eventual commercial production of ice cream. It will also explore the democratization of ice cream's consumption during the 19th century, when it ceased to be a delight reserved for the wealthy and became available the masses.
The exhibition concludes with a thorough examination of ice cream throughout the 20th and 21st centuies, detailing the ice cream industry, social customs surrounding ice cream enjoyment, the globalization of ice cream, and novelties and brands.
