The exhibit, presented by Historic New England, showcases original kitchens and kitchen artifacts that span centuries as well as geographic locations. Each item in the exhibition tells a story about life in that time period –  about food preparation and other domestic work; the use of household help; the impacts of new technologies; changes in gadgets and appliances; how advertising portrays women’s roles. Excerpts from letters and diaries that will also be on display reveal both nostalgic memories and despair at the endless drudgery of kitchen work.