Vegetarians in the US: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

An exciting, educational presentation and mini-exhibit for assembly or classroom

Schools, colleges, homeschoolers, libraries, health organizations, civic & church groups, historical societies:

Schedule a visit from VegetarianMuseum.com!

Call: 401-339-0131 (Rhode Island)

Email: vegusa@cox.net

“Karen, a knowledgeable speaker, ... intrigued the audience...It was indeed great to hear Karen speak and see her in her element talking about what she loves… ” Cherine Whitney, university librarian, official of Special Libraries Association (Rhode Island Chapter)    

Details:   Assembly or Classroom presentation includes PowerPoint slides, a lively lecture, and mini-exhibit from VegetarianMuseum.com . Classroom version also includes teacher lesson plan with photocopy and transparency masters. Exhibit items: antiquarian books, periodicals, menus, prints, ephemera, and artifacts from vegetarianism in America of the 19th and 20th Centuries.

Themes & Topics: (The presentation varies according to the particular school, or teacher’s needs) What do the words ‘vegetarian’ and ‘vegan’ mean? How many Americans are vegetarian, and how many teens and college students are vegetarian? Why do teens and college students ‘go veg’? What are the ‘hot’ vegetarian products and topics of today?  

Past: Who was a vegetarian in 18th Century? When did vegetarianism as a social movement begin in the U.S.? Who established the vegetarian movement and why? How did it spread, and what was the reaction to vegetarianism in the 19th and early 20th Centuries? What was the role of the Counter-culture in today’s interest in vegetarianism?  

A Few Vegetarians or Advocates of Vegetarianism mentioned in presentation: Benjamin Franklin, Henry David Thoreau, Johnny Appleseed Rev. William Metcalfe, Clara Barton (Red Cross), Mary Gove Nichols, Sylvester Graham, Lenna Cooper (A.D.A), Bronson Alcott, Reuben Dimond Mussey, M.D. (A.M.A.) Gen. Booth (The Salvation Army)

A Glimpse of the Vegetarian World within the U.S.A.: Foods and other products (vegetarian ‘leather’, ‘silk’, cosmetics). Restaurants, cookbooks, chefs, and cooking schools. Food festivals. Grassroots organizations. Periodicals (Herbivores, VegNews, Vegetarian Times), Radio, TV, News Websites (DeliciousTV, VegTV, GoVegan Radio, Gary Null, Rense, Meria, etc.). More: documentary filmmakers, cartoonists, musicians, artists, scholars. Various Vegetarian Views: Politics, Philosophy, Religion, Ethics, Petfood

The Young Scene: How high schools and college cafeterias are accommodating vegetarian choices. Student activities on campus.

Veg Celebrities Musicians, Actors, Politicians, Writers, Athletes, Others. TV shows and Movies.

The Future? Cultured meat grown in the laboratory. GMO: veggies containing DNA from animals. Humane meat standards. The word ‘vegetarian.’  

Scroll down for Reviews of books by the Iacobbos

Fees: (Does not include travel expense)

Vegetarian, Environmental, Natural Hygiene, Raw Food, and Animal Rights groups - Contact us for fee.

Classroom -- $500. (discounted when scheduling two or more classroom visits for the same day)

School Assembly -- $500. - $1500. (depending upon size of school group)

Professional Organizations -- $250. - $1500. (depends upon whether group is local, regional, or national)

Civic or Church groups -- Contact us for fee.

Libraries, Public -- $250. and up (depending upon library)

Universities, Colleges (classroom or assembly)-- $500. - $1500. (discounted when scheduling two or more classroom visits for same day)

Reviews of Vegetarian America: A History (Praeger 2004) by Karen Iacobbo and Michael Iacobbo:

• [T]his extremely well researched book is a worthwhile purchase for both large public and academic libraries.
  —Library Journal June 15, 2004
• Vegetarian America is a history of the movement in the US from the 18th century to today. The book goes thoroughly and compellingly into a history about which most vegetarians themselves are unaware. The Iacobbos provide fascinating stories and details about the key people, organizations, and events in vegetarianism....Recommended. All levels.
  —Choice December 2004
• Vegetarian America is a truly amazing, deftly researched and succinctly presented tour of the side of America that is not so commonly seen amid the thousands of turkey, beef, and ham commercials.
  —The Bookwatch December 2004
• Vegetarian America: A History is an affordable and highly recommended acquisition for the circulating collections of all academic, health sciences, and public libraries. It deserves a place in the culinary collections of all hospital and other special libraries, cooking schools, and the personal collections of everyone with an interest in the history of food.
  —E-Streams November 2004
• Vegetarian America: A History should be placed in every library in this country.
  —MBR Internet Bookwatch December 2004
• [A] most entertaining history of the practice of vegetarianism in the United States from the late 1700s to the present.... Vegetarian America is a truly amazing, deftly researched and succinctly presented tour of the side of America that is not so commonly seen amid the thousands of turkey, beef, and ham commercials.
  —Vegetarian Journal 2004
• [A] compelling, readable account of an unfamiliar history.
  — Boston Herald September 12, 2004

Endorsements

• Columnist, The Washington Post : Every once in a while someone comes along and sees the need for explaining, or defining, and clarifying a basic reality. The Iacobbos have certainly done this with their book. It is a major breakthrough, both journalistically and inspirationally.
• Endorsement From Suzanne Havala Hobbs, Ph.D., D irector, Carolina Health Summit
  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill: Vegetarian America is an entertaining and informative read that puts into perspective the rich history of the U.S. vegetarian movement.
• Endorsement From Howard F. Lyman LL.D.,author of Mad Cowboy : Vegetarian America is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It shows clearly where the path is leading and I hope enough of us get on it before it's too late for our children and grandchildren.

Reviews of Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today (Praeger 2006) by Karen Iacobbo and Michael Iacobbo   “[A] great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance.”– Easton's Public Library eNewsletter

“Continuing from their previous book on the history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into the practice's current incarnations, examining the food industry, health studies about the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists and animal rights experts.”–SciTech Book News

“This is a quick read book, written by two talented journalists, is rich in the history of vegetarianism in America and tells of the amazing differences and preferences of vegetarians and vegans. The wonderful research done by the authors provides a valuable view of the vegetarian community as a whole, and provides some logical reasons why making healthy choices can be so important.”–Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites
Endorsements

"Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today is a great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance. The book embraces vegetarianism as a way of life that is deeply rooted in American culinary history and social activism while helping one understand the essence of a dietary movement that is beginning to define American culture and values." - Ron Pickarski Founder and President of Eco-Cuisine Gold-Medal winning executive chef (International Culinary Olympics)

"A society that adorns centuries-old practices like yoga and meditation with the label 'new age,' might not be expected to appreciate vegetarians and vegans. However, as Karen and Michael Iacobbo document with verve and rigor, there's way more of us out there than anyone ever imagined. In fact, I'd say the veggie lifestyle is ready for its close-up." - Mickey Z. longtime vegan, author of 50 American Revolutions You're Not Supposed to Know: Reclaiming American Patriotism

"This book spotlights the rich history of vegetarianism in America and the incredible diversity of vegetarians and vegans. Most importantly, it puts a human face on the animal liberation movement. I highly recommend it." - Vasu Murti author of They Shall Not Hurt or Destroy

"This book is a treasure trove of the wide variety of views from vegetarians and the variety of aspects they have opinions on. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a comprehensive overview of the current state of thought and action." - Rachel M. MacNair, Ph.D Director of the Institute for Integrated Social Analysis in Kansas City author of The Psychology of Peace: An Introduction and Perpetration-Induced Tramatic Stress