In 1999, Olver createdThe Food Timeline, a history website documentingculinary history,food history and recipes.[3][4] Unlike many other food related websites, Olver gave citations to almost every statement on her site so that readers can verify her claims. Her research has been cited in peer-reviewed journals.[5][6][7]
In 2020, it was reported that the Olver family was searching for a person or persons to maintain and possibly grow the website.[8][9][10][11][12]
On November 11, 2020, the Olver family announced on theFood Timeline's Twitter account that they selected theVirginia Tech's Food Studies Program to be the new curators for Olver's website after reviewing over 80 other applicants.[13] The Food Studies Program thankedEater writer Dayna Evans for bringing the Virginia Tech unit in contact with the Olver family.[14] The Food Studies Program is headed by history professorAnna Zeide.[15] In December 2020, Virginia Tech acquired the "website and accompanying physical library" and planned to "carry on Olver's legacy and create space for new research and student internship opportunities".[16]
The Food Timeline was adapted in 2024 by The Secret Ingredient, a culinary culture newsletter.[17] The adapted article includes illustrations and archival visual media.
