Northwestern State University’s Cammie G. Henry Research Center is hosting a summer exhibit featuring local cookbooks to illustrate the important role of cooking and the culinary arts in Louisiana and Natchitoches history.

“Cooking on the Cane Cookbook and Recipe Exhibit” explores the culinary history of the Cane River country and Louisiana through the extensive collection of cookbooks at the center.

“From Natchitoches meat pies to red beans and rice, gumbo, and jambalaya, food plays an important role in our history,” said Nolan Eller, assistant archivist. “Exhibit highlights include Cammie Henry’s recipes and recipe notebook dating to 1899, Thelma Kyser’s recipes for entertaining guests of President John Kyser and NSU faculty and staff, and a collection of other interesting cookbooks highlighting Louisiana culinary traditions.”

The exhibit allows viewers to connect with history through Louisiana’s unique cuisine, Eller said.

“Who knows? You may find a recipe you’d like to take home and try yourself,” he added.

The exhibit runs through Sept. 30 and is free and open to the public. The Cammie G. Henry Research Center is located on the third floor of NSU’s Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8-11:45 a.m. Fridays.