Smokelore: One family's barbecue roots in Bartow County
Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6:30 p.m.
Bartow History Museum, 4 E. Church Street, Cartersville, GA 30120
On July 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bartow History Museum, retired AJC journalist and author with Bartow County connections, Jim Auchmutey, will discuss his book, Smokelore: A Short History of Barbecue in America, published recently by the University of Georgia Press. According to Auchmutey, “My central contention is that barbecue, not apple pie or anything else, is the most truly American food because it's so intertwined with our history and represents us as a people with roots on four continents and a variety of cultures.”
Auchmutey’s own history is rooted in BBQ with both his grandfather and great-grandfather being noted pitmasters in Bartow County. He wrote about them in a column for the ArtsATL website where he shared that his grandfather, who once served as a firefighter in Cartersville, participated in BBQs around the area. After the Saturday Evening Post mentioned him several times in an article focusing on Southern BBQ, his popularity grew. He found himself cooking for others as far away as Chicago. It appears this passion for BBQ has trickled down through the years.
Auchmutey’s presentation includes many entertaining visuals and some recorded music. “If you love BBQ or history, this is a program you won’t want to miss.”, states Trey Gaines, Museum Director. “While Auchmutey will not be able to discuss everything in his book, we think it will whet your appetite, leaving you wanting to know more.” Not only do we want to give you a taste of the history of BBQ, but thanks to Scott’s Walk-up Bar-B-Q of Cartersville, participants will be able to sample local BBQ. A lite BBQ meal will be provided at 6:30 p.m.
This program is free for members and included in the price of admission to the museum for non-members. There is limited seating for this program, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets are available at
www.BartowHistoryMuseum.org. A book signing will follow the presentation.
