Recently the Smithsonian National Museum of American History unveiled its newest exhibit: The lunchbox. Dating back to the 1860's, the exhibit details the evolution of the lunchbox and the close relationship it has with television and movies. The exhibit discusses the lunchbox's prominent place in American pop culture, as well as the psychological relationship between children and the lunchboxes they choose. "The first connection of the public display of one's affections and tastes is a fairly serious thing," says Charles Camp, a professor of folklore and popular culture at Penn State University. Evidently I felt the need to let the world know that I was an appreciator of sci-fi and cheesy costumes with the Star Trek: The Next Generation lunchbox I had when I was seven.

The exhibit also shoots off such facts as the best-selling Thermos brand lunchbox (the Roy Rodgers lunchbox in 1953 which sold 2 million units), and the best-selling lunchbox ever (the Disney school bus lunchbox featuring Mickey, Donald, Bambi, et. all, in production from 1961 to 1973, and sold 9 million units). Of course there are many misses that the lunchbox powers that be don't like to discuss. As Thermos Vice President Rick Dias admits, "Ricky Martin didn't sell well."

Ironically, the exhibit is on display in the Smithsonian cafeteria.