Indiana History Center brings back ‘Flavors of the Heartland’ cooking demonstrations with expanded 2026 schedule
A monthly program tying food traditions to Indiana’s community history
“Flavors of the Heartland” is returning to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis for a 2026 run of monthly cooking demonstrations and conversations centered on regional food heritage. The program is structured as a series of in-person presentations that combine cooking, storytelling, and take-home recipes intended for visitors to recreate.
Each session is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., and is included with paid admission. Presentations are designed to begin promptly at 1 p.m. and are not repeated during the scheduled window. Free parking is available in the organization’s lot accessed from New York Street.
What the 2026 lineup includes
The 2026 calendar reflects an emphasis on both immigrant foodways and Indiana-based cultural traditions, with presenters demonstrating dishes while explaining their historical or community context. Early 2026 dates published on the venue’s program calendar include:
- Feb. 11, 2026: Chicken Veracruz (listed as Mediterranean) presented by Felicia Grady.
- March 11, 2026: Baklawa (Lebanese) presented by Josh Chitwood.
- April 8, 2026: Koulourakia (Greek) presented by Rachel Serago.
- May 6, 2026 (bonus program): Bhel Puri (Indian) presented by Jyoti Verderame.
- May 13, 2026: Nipoopi Lenaswa (Buffalo Stew), presented by Dani Tippman and identified with Myaamia cooking traditions.
- June 10, 2026: Shrimp & Grits presented by Temicka Moore, framed around North and South U.S. traditions.
- July 8, 2026: Shabu Shabu with dashi broth (Japanese) presented by Jean Lee.
- Aug. 12, 2026: Borsch & Pampushky (Ukrainian) presented by the Ukrainian Society of Indiana.
- Sept. 9, 2026: Gorditas & salsa (Mexican) presented by Daniel Del Real.
- Oct. 14, 2026: Nickel Salad, presented by Jeanna West and described as Depression-era cooking.
How the event fits into the History Center’s broader public programming
“Flavors of the Heartland” is positioned as a recurring educational program inside a museum setting, using food as an entry point to discuss migration, local adaptation of recipes, and the way family and community traditions persist over time. Organizers indicate that recipe copies are provided to guests, reinforcing the format as both a demonstration and a practical cooking takeaway.
Programs begin at 1 p.m. and are scheduled as a single presentation during the 1–3 p.m. time block.
Admission details published for the Indiana History Center list general adult, senior and youth pricing, with free entry for young children and certain groups, and a discount for purchasing tickets online. Dates and program topics are subject to change, and visitors are encouraged to confirm the specific session details before attending.