The Past and Future of the American Diner at Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

Food historian Sarah Lohman explores the origins, cultural influence, and uncertain future of the American diner in this talk presented as the museum’s special exhibition Coffee: A Connecticut Story comes to a close. The program looks at how diners evolved from early “Nite Owl” lunch wagons into the chrome-and-neon institutions seen in paintings, television, and everyday life. Lohman also examines why this uniquely American dining tradition may be at risk of disappearing and reflects on how diners became personal landmarks for generations of Americans.

The event takes place on December 4, 2025, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History in Hartford. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for museum members at levels under $150, and free for members at levels $150 and above.