Dumpling Trails: How a Librarian Uses Snacks to Connect Students to History
Stepping outside of their academic bubble, students in New York City often find themselves craving more than just good grades – they crave a taste of the rich tapestry that surrounds them.
Librarian Steve Feyl understands this well. In the fall of 2022, he launched “The Dumpling Tours,” an innovative approach to connecting students with their city’s history – one bite at a time. After the disruption and isolation of the pandemic, Feyl saw these unique tours as a way to re-engage students with both the library and their local community.
Gathering outside One Pace Plaza, the tours weave through the iconic streets of Chinatown, with dumplings acting as a springboard to delve into tales of the past. As students savor dumplings from sprawling food stalls, Feyl paints a vivid picture of New York’s vibrant history. From the Lenape, the original inhabitants of Manhattan, to the imposing presence of Benjamin Franklin’s statue – entrusted to the city due to the publishing patriarch’s deep connection to printing presses in the neighborhood, each bite becomes a journey through time.
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Beyond the Bamboo Steamer
One of Feyl’s favorite stories involves P.T. Barnum, the iconic showman who famously used a spectacle of animals to prove the stability of the then-new Brooklyn Bridge. He convinces students to imagine a parade of exotic animals marching across the bridge, led by the magnificent elephant Jumbo. Such captivating anecdotes bring history alive, proving it’s anything but dusty and dry.
Not surprisingly, the food is more than just sustenance; it becomes a conversation starter and a way to build bridges between cultures. When International student Namitha Hebbal, pursuing her master’s in marketing, joined a tour with her roommate, she found herself immersed in a discussion about the diverse flavors of Chinatown, comparing dumplings with flavors of home.
“The tour was a great way to connect with the community close to Pace,” said Namitha. “I really enjoyed
seeing Steven’s passion for history and food.”
It’s clear that the dumplings themselves are just the starting point. Feyl uses the communal experience of enjoying a meal together to foster connections among students.
“Sometimes a common bond over something like a love of dumplings is just what you need to spur on a new friendship,” Feyl reflects. He delights in seeing students lingering, even after finishing their edible exploration. He recounts witnessing newfound friendships blossom during a Chinatown ice cream outing after a tour, a testament to the power of shared experiences.
More Than Just a Flavorful Journey
Feyl actively seeks to connect his tours to the university community. He often invites faculty and staff, like Jean Gallagher, Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships. “This is our neighborhood, students are part of the neighborhood. You just can’t beat seeing the energy of New York City firsthand using something as simple as dumplings.” Said Gallagher, after recently joining a stroll through Chinatown
For Feyl, the tours are about more than just satisfying appetites. “I hope that they take away a sense of curiosity, adventurousness, and exploration. New York City is one of the best cities in the world, so I try to instill those qualities into the tour. I hope that spirit catches on with them for other adventures,” he shared
How does Dumpling Diplomacy use food to build bridges across cultures?
## Dumpling Diplomacy
**Interviewer:** Steve,your “Dumpling Tours” are a fascinating blend of foodie adventures and historical exploration. What inspired you to create this unique experience?
**Steve Feyl:** The pandemic really isolated everyone. As a librarian, I saw students struggling to reconnect wiht both the campus community and the city around them. I wanted to create something engaging, something that would spark curiosity and get them excited about learning again. Dumplings seemed like the perfect vehicle. They’re appetizing, accessible, and deeply tied to the cultural tapestry of chinatown.
**Interviewer:** It’s certainly a novel approach to teaching. What kind of response have you received from the students?
**Steve Feyl:** Overwhelmingly positive! Students love the hands-on experience. Sure, they enjoy the dumplings, but it’s the stories and connections that really stick with them. Seeing history come alive through food and conversation, fostering new friendships over a shared plate – that’s what makes these tours truly special.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned bridging cultural divides.How does food, specifically dumplings, act as a catalyst for that?
**Steve Feyl:** Food is worldwide. It’s a language everyone understands. Sharing a meal breaks down barriers and encourages dialog.
On my tours, we talk about the origins of different dumpling varieties, compare flavors, and explore the cultural significance of this cuisine. It’s a delicious way to learn about different traditions and connect with one another.
