History on the Menu: Vicenza Middle Students Host Progressive Era Dinner
VICENZA, Italy — American History 8 classes at Vicenza Middle School recently wrapped up their unit on the Progressive Era (1890–1920) with a unique and engaging project: hosting an imaginative dinner party for the period’s key reformers. Students—some even dressed in historical attire—brought in dishes inspired by the era as they explored the works of influential figures such as muckraker Ida Tarbell, industrialist Andrew Carnegie, and civil rights leader Booker T. Washington.
The heart of VMS 8th grade teacher Charlotte Edwards’ assignment was for students to act as historical “matchmakers,” creating a thoughtful dinner-party seating chart and using historical evidence to justify their pairings. The task required deep investigation into figures like settlement house founder Jane Addams, civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, investigative journalist Upton Sinclair, and labor organizer Eugene V. Debs. The activity directly supported the learning standard that Progressive Era reformers sought solutions to political and social issues at all levels of government. Deciding who should sit together—whether due to aligned goals, opposing viewpoints, or the potential for meaningful debate—encouraged students to develop a nuanced understanding of the era’s diverse reform movements, including the Populist Party and the push for women’s suffrage.
The culinary element of the project also helped extend learning beyond the classroom. Eighth grader William Ellsworth collaborated with his mother to research and prepare a period-specific recipe. Together, they made “SPAM Birds”—stuffing wrapped in SPAM—turning historical inquiry into a hands-on family experience. “We made a silly little thing called SPAM Birds,” William said. The quirky dish offered a memorable way to bring history to the dinner table and deepen the connection to the content through shared preparation at home.
