From lunchtime tours to evening book signings, lectures at The Farmers' Museum cover many topics in history and culture and introduce visitors to provocative speakers from throughout the world.

Food for Thought programs are a lunch and lecture series which offer visitors a more in depth understanding of our exhibits and programs.  All programs begin at noon on Wednesdays and include lunch. $15 members/$20 non-members. Registration is required at least three days in advance. Cancellations without advanced warning will be charged. Please call (607) 547-1461 to reserve. 

Food for Thought - New York State Barns | June 9 2010 | 12:00pm-2:00pm

Farms in New York State boast a wide architectural variety of barns and agricultural buildings. Cynthia Falk, Associate Professor of Material Culture at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, will discuss buildings featured in her upcoming book on the history of New York State barns and lead a tour of some of the buildings at The Farmers' Museum.

Fee: $15 members/$20 non-members

Food for Thought - The History of Thrall Pharmacy | July 14 2010 | 12:00pm-2:00pm

Patrick MacGregor, pharmacy supervisor, will lead this talk focusing on the history of Thrall’s Pharmacy and the occupation of pharmacist in mid-19th century America.

Fee: $15 members/$20 non-members

Food for Thought - Phrenology in 19th-Century America | July 28 2010 | 12:00pm-2:00pm

Learn about phrenology, the study of bumps on the skull, begun by Franz Gall and popularized by Lorenzo and Orson Fowler in the 19th century. Hear their theories about how the brain organs are organize and can help us learn about our natural dispositions and how to improve ourselves. Some brief phrenological readings will be offered for the audience’s amazement.

Fee: $15 members/$20 non-members