Artisanal cheese is not new to America, but it is certainly gaining new attention. MIT anthropologist Heather Paxson, author of The Life of Cheese: Crafting Food and Value in America, discusses how and why artisanal cheese is becoming a new source of cultural and economic value in the United States. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A, a book signing and a reception.

Christine Walley and Chris Boebel will be hosting a screening of the rough cut of their documentary film, Exit Zero, at The Field Museum in Chicago. The screening will be followed by a conversation with the filmmakers, tours of The Field Museum's Restoring Earth exhibit featuring the Calumet region, and panel discussions with area heritage, environmental justice and labor activists, including panelists from People for Community Recovery, Southeast Environmental Task Force, Alliance For American Manufacturing, and the United Steelworkers Union. There will also be a book signing and reception with Christine Walley and Chris Boebel. The day-long event will last from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.