WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (FEBRUARY 16, 2017) – Old Salem Museums & Gardens in conjunction with AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate and The Historic Division of Mars is presenting its fourth annual day of fun events, tastings, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, highlighting the history and importance of chocolate in Salem and colonial America “Chocolate-Dipped History: Celebrating Coffee, Tea, and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate,” will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Since the 18th century, chocolate, tea, and coffee have been popular beverages throughout America. On Saturday, March 4, during “Chocolate-Dipped History: Celebrating Coffee, Tea, and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate,” there will be opportunities to taste and learn about the history and development of these hot refreshments and the role they played in daily life in Salem. Activities are included with an All-In-One ticket, which are $27 for adults and $13 for students ages 4-18. Friends of Old Salem enjoy free admission.

Visitors on March 4 will have a chance to learn about chocolate’s historical bean-to-beverage story using authentic tools including a hot stone metate, winnowing baskets, and chocolate pots and cups. Dave Borghesani, Chocolate History Research Manager at Mars Chocolate North America, will be on hand to offer unique insight into the world of chocolate. He will present “The History of Chocolate,” the fascinating story of how chocolate became a part of our culture and everyday life at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Join the Old Salem staff to experience the taste and smell of authentic chocolate as it was enjoyed by our Founding Fathers by sampling AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate drink.

AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate is an authentic colonial-style chocolate recipe that is made by Mars Chocolate North America. Slightly spicier than today’s chocolate, AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate has a rich, full-bodied flavor and comes in unique formats including, chocolate sticks, baking/grating chunks, and a finely grated chocolate drink mix.

AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate products are available for purchase at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. For more information on AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate visit americanheritagechocolate.com.

Activities at “Chocolate-Dipped History” on Saturday March 4 include the following:

• · Watching hearth cooks baking an historic recipe with AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate developed by Mars Chocolate North America
• · Learning about hot tavern beverages
• · Learning about hibiscus tea and its African roots
• · Comparing and seeing coffee, chocolate, and tea vessels in the pottery

About The Historic Division of Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate:

Mars, Incorporated – the makers of iconic global brands like M&Ms and SNICKERS – launched The Historic Division of Mars in 2006. The Historic Division of Mars’ mission is to share chocolate’s rich past by allowing people to taste and experience history and Mars, Incorporated’s more than 100 years of chocolate making excellence.
AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate was developed by Mars, Incorporated to help educate consumers about the history of our nation through the engaging story of one of our most beloved foods….chocolate! Fashioned off ingredient lists from the 18th century, AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate is made with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives and comes in unique formats including: chocolate sticks, baking/grating chunks, and a finely grated chocolate drink mix. AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate is sold exclusively at fine gift shops at historic sites, museums, and historic inns across the USA and Canada including Old Salem Museums & Gardens.

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About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org.