Prairie State Wire

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site in Fayette County is set to host a program on the history of pies in the United States. Culinary historian Catherine Lambrecht will present her talk, "History of American Pies," on Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m. The event is free to the public, thanks to sponsorship by the Old Capital Foundation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Catherine Lambrecht is an experienced food historian known for her involvement in culinary competitions at the Lake County and Illinois state fairs. She is a former University of Illinois Extension volunteer, having specialized as a Master Food Preserver and Master Gardener. Lambrecht is also a founder of the Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance, Chicago Foodways Roundtable, and LTHforum.com, a culinary discussion site in Chicago. Additionally, she is the editor of "Family Heirloom Recipes from the Illinois State Fair" and serves as the program director for both the Highland Park Historical Society and the Illinois Mycological Association.

A question-and-answer session will follow Lambrecht's presentation, offering visitors the chance to share family recipes and encouraged to bring their favorites.

The Vandalia Statehouse, the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois, served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1839. It is located at 315 W. Gallatin St. and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more details, individuals can contact the Vandalia Statehouse at 618-283-1161.