Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Iowa State University will celebrate its 150th anniversary from April 2007 to May 2008 Iowa State has graduated a number of prominent contributors to our nation, including George Washington Carver. While Iowa State University in Ames Iowa is celebrating its 150th anniversary, local celebrations are happening across the state with community service activities being coordinated by county extension offices. Linn County focused on George Washington Carver.

Response:
I was on the committee that helped Susan Kuecker, Curator of the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, establish the George Washington Carver Exhibit at the Cultural Center.  The exhibit  was promoted in letters sent to Cedar Rapids teachers who have had EFNEP/FNP nutrition education in their classrooms.

The following is the promotion paragraph from the letter: “September 29, 2007, the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, here in Cedar Rapids, opened Iowa Roots, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of George Washington Carver. The Museum will not only focus on Carver’s experiments on food and his inventions, but also on the story of his time as an educator, artist, and a man of faith and focusing on his time here in Iowa.”

We used an embossed clipboard of George Washington Carver’s face for assistants to use as an educational tool in classes, as we then talked his effect on food and his concern about good nutrition for all. We promoted the Carver Dip developed to use in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) during February. The main ingredient is sweet potatoes.

Impact:
As of March, the museum has seen an increase in the number of school classes visiting the museum. Many more classes scheduled for April and May. I used the sweet potato dip in the February newsletter as well as a biographical sketch of George Washington Carver. Many people are surprised that sweet potatoes are the base of the dip. The sweet potato is high in vitamin A which is one of the nutrients that is missing in the American diet. The recipe is also featured in the new EFNEP lessons. Many EFNEP families had a goal of making the Carver Dip for their families. Most liked it and were going to make it again. They are also surprised by the connection of George Washington Carver and Iowa State University.

Contact:
Susan Uthoff
Linn County Extension
3279 7th Ave, Ste 140
Marion, IA 52302
319-377-9839
x1uthoff@iastate.edu