FREEPORT — Ever wonder who Betty Crocker was or how she learned to cook so well? Learn the true story of Betty Crocker when local favorite Leslie Goddard presents lecture titled “Betty Crocker and Her Cookbook That Changed How America Cooks” at 1 p.m. Oct. 30 via Zoom.

Goddard has drawn standing-room-only crowds to the senior activity center and the Winneshiek Playhouse for her portrayal of Amelia Earhart and Queen Elizabeth II. She also holds a Ph.D. and is a noted historian. This lecture is presented free because the senior resource center is using COVID-19 grant funds to pay for the presentation.

In 1950, “Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book” hit shelves with massive sales. To date, the cookbook has sold more than 75 million copies. Created in 1921 by a flour company, Betty Crocker became the trusted advisor to millions of home cooks. The lecture looks at how Betty Crocker was invented, why her cookbook has endured and what makes her so iconic.

If you have a copy of “Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book,” bring it to the lecture.

Participants must register for the free lecture by calling Julie at the senior resource center at 815-235-9777, ext. 254, or by emailing jhilliger@srcntr.org to receive the link to the lecture. The lecture can be accessed via a computer with speakers or smartphone.

For more information, call 815-235-9777 or go to the center’s website, www.seniorresourcecenter.net.