BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- There is a certain 'Colonel' that comes to mind when people think about food and Kentucky. With the opening of its new exhibit, “Recommended by Duncan Hines,” the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University is hoping that will soon change. The 8-section, interactive exhibit honoring the Bowling Green native, opened today with a ribbon cutting ceremony complete with brownies and cake.

With assistance from Louisville, Ky. based design firm, Solid Light, the Kentucky Library and Museum staff created a 1000 square foot, picturesque display that includes hundreds of artifacts including Hines's actual kitchen sink.

"Several years ago, the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau began collecting Duncan Hines memorabilia and envisioned one day working with the KYLM to bring to life an exhibit," said Timothy Mullin, Department Head of Library Special Collections at KYLM. "Today, we are thrilled to say that the dream of this exhibit is a reality."

Each area takes you on a journey into Hines’ life. One section in the exhibit recreates a 1950's grocery store scene with every item on the shelves bearing the Duncan Hines label, from pizza mix to coffee and ice cream. And a rare Duncan Hines Grill is the center of another vignette, reflecting the nation's infatuation with outdoor dining.

But the real story behind the man is why cases of his products disappeared off grocery store shelves shortly after they arrived. Americans were already associating the name Duncan Hines with quality food; he had been recommending places to dine since 1936 when he published his first book, "Adventures in Good Eating."

Louis Hatchett, author of the biography, "Duncan Hines: The Man Behind the Cake Mix," who attended the exhibit opening, writes "He created within the public mind an attitude that restaurant kitchens should be immaculately clean and above suspicion. In time, thanks to him, restaurant patrons came to demand that criteria, no matter where they dined."

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Joel White, Senior Business Manager of Pinnacle Foods, the company who now owns the Duncan Hines brand and a contributor to the exhibit, and Cora Jane Spiller, Hines's great niece, who donated personal items to the cause.

Hatchett thanks Spiller in the opening of his book noting, "every biographer should have someone like her. Her enthusiasm for the book was infectious and encouraging." Other contributors to the exhibit include the Park Foundation and the Hines Family.

Vicki Fitch, executive director of the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said “Visitors wanted to know more about the man after the Scenic Byway was named in his honor. We feel the Kentucky Museum is the perfect entity for the collection and has made it something special for all to see.”

The Kentucky Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, $10 for families and half-price every Sunday. Their website for the exhibit is www.wku.edu/duncanhines. The BGACVB also has information at www.duncanhinesmuseum.com.

OPENING CELEBRATIONS
As part of the exhibit opening, the Kentucky Library & Museum will be hosting events August 3 and 4, including Duncan Hines Festival events. Festivities include:
• Duncan Hines Festival Recipe Contest, August 3, 4pm
• Festival Art Awards and Silent Auction, August 3, 5pm
• 1950s Theme Party, with antique cars, 50s rock ‘n roll and cocktails, August 3, 7pm
• Country Breakfast with presentation by Jonathan Jeffrey, August 4, 9am
• Duncan Hines Festival Children’s Pageant, August 4, 10am
• “Adventures in Good Eating: A Taste of Duncan Hines,” a presentation of the Kentucky Historical Society, written and performed by Mike Thomas

Next Friday, August 10, the Bowling Green Junior Woman’s Club celebrates the 11th Annual Duncan Hines Festival with its Street Dance and Duck Derby in downtown Bowling Green’s Fountain Square Park. Visit www.duncanhinesfestival.com for more information.

###