About Us

The Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor (CHAA), founded in 1983 by Jan Longone and friends, is an organization of scholars, cooks, food writers, nutritionists, collectors, students, and others interested in the study of culinary history and gastronomy.

Our mission is to promote the study of culinary history through regular programs open to members and guests, through the quarterly newsletter Repast, and through exchanges of information with other such organizations.

We meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from September through May from 4-6 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month (unless otherwise announced). Current membership, including newsletter subscribers, is more than 150.

At each meeting, invited speakers share their expertise on topics related to culinary history and gastronomy. Twice a year, in mid-summer and early December, the CHAA hosts a participatory meeting with a theme. Members and guests bring a dish appropriate to the theme.

Membership in CHAA is open to anyone interested in culinary history. For those able to attend meetings, annual dues are $25.00 a year (September to September) for an individual or couple membership, which includes a subscription to the newsletter. For those who cannot attend meetings, a yearly subscription to the newsletter is only $20.00. To become a member, click the Membership link above.

Repast, published quarterly, is the official publication of CHAA. Besides announcements of future meetings and reports of past meetings, it also contains feature articles, book reviews, a calendar of upcoming events of culinary interest, and special events. For information about contributing articles, placing information, announcements, or other regular features, contact newsletter editor Randy Schwartz.

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