This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of American History’s Smithsonian Food History Gala and the presentation of the Julia Child Award to Alice Waters.

The award is given by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts to an individual or group who has made a significant impact on how Americans cook, eat, and drink.

This year, chef, author, food activist, and restaurateur, Alice Waters, will receive the award at the Gala held at the National Museum of American History, home of Julia Child’s kitchen, October 17. Waters has been a champion of local, organic and sustainable agriculture for over five decades. In 1971, she founded Chez Panisse Restaurant, in Berkeley, California, and the Edible Schoolyard in 1995. Through her work in food education and advocacy, Waters exemplifies the spirit and legacy of Julia Child.

Previous recipients of the award—Jacques Pépin, Rick Bayless, Danny Meyer, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, José Andrés, Danielle Nierenberg, Toni Tipton-Martin, Grace Young, and Sean Sherman—will be present to celebrate the last decade of food history research and programming at the National Museum of American History. Purchase gala tickets online here