Harness and Harvest: Exploring the Partnership Between People, Animals, and the Land

Agriculture has long relied on the partnership between humans and animals, shaping economies, cultures, and daily life. This interactive event with representatives from University of Illinois’s Rare Book and Manuscript Department will explore the historical sources on farming, livestock care, and the role of animals, especially horses, in agriculture. Through documents, artifacts, and rare texts, we will examine how animals contributed to labor, transportation, and food production. Join us for a hands-on experience with primary sources and discussions on the evolving relationship between humans and the animals that sustained them.