Much has been made recently of the X Prize, a multi-million dollar award for specific inventions that benefit humanity. Currently, scientists are competing to build a commercially viable 100-mpg car and to land a moon rover that will send high-resolution photos back to earth.

Two hundred years ago, during the French Revolution, scientists were challenged in a similar way to invent a cheap and effective method of preserving large amounts of food. Canning was born. Preserving food by processing and sealing in an airtight container is a time-tested invention that has made safe, healthful food available to humanity year round - in commercially canned products and in the tradition of home canning.

The latter will be celebrated at the Folsom History Museum, where an exhibit created in partnership with UC Cooperative Extension, titled "From Garden to Jar," will run from Oct. 18 through Jan. 4, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee. The museum is at 823 Sutter St., in Folsom.

According to the article:

• Master food preservers will provide a history of canning, with artifacts and photos as well as information on current practices and the Certified Farmers Market program
• Master gardeners will offer gardening tips and explain how eating fresh foods improves health, tastes better and supports the community
• 4-H members will take part in weekend demonstrations