Long before Martha Stewart, there was Betty Crocker. Through Sunday, January 24, the Bettendorf Public Library is hosting exclusive access to Community Connections: Betty Crocker – Her Cookbook That Changed How America Cooks. The presentation will feature Leslie Goddard, Ph.D. as she highlights the history of Betty Crocker and her famous Picture Cook Book. There is no registration required to view the event which is free thanks to the support of the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book first hit shelves in 1950 and to date has sold more than 75 million copies.  Created in 1921 by a flour company, Betty Crocker became the most famous and trusted advisor to American cooks. This fun, illustrated lecture by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D.  explore how Betty Crocker was invented, why her cookbook has endured, and what makes her so iconic. Leslie Goddard is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been presenting history programs for more than ten years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in American studies and U.S. history as well as a master’s degree in theater.

Community Connections: Betty Crocker – Her Cookbook That Changed America is pre-recorded video that will be available for viewing for a period of two weeks. Links to the video will be available on the Library’s social media accounts and website at http://www.bettendorflibrary.com. For further questions about this program, call 563-344-4179 or email info@bettendorflibrary.com.