(Bitter)sweet History: 18th Century Chocolate and the American Revolution

Accompanied by a table prepared with items crucial to the story of the 18th century chocolate production, historian and educator Michele Gabrielson takes the audience on a journey from "bean to beverage." While telling this incredible tale, Gabrielson will also share items of important materials culture in the history of chocolate; including cacao beans, a grindstone, spices, and period printed materials that advertise the consumption and sale of chocolate. This, along with the added option of sampling chocolate that would have been enjoyed by colonial Bostonians, is sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience!

Michele Gabrielson is a local history teacher and historic interpreter of the 18th century. She specializes in interpreting the history of colonial women printers, the stories of loyalist refugees, and of 18th century chocolate makers! Most recently, she has taken on building a first-person impression of the revolutionary playwright and poet Mercy Otis Warren. Michele additionally serves on several historical committees dedicated to helping preserve the history of colonial America, is a member of the Authenticity Standards Committee for Minuteman National Historic Park, and is the coordinator for the Battle Road Guides for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. She was recently awarded a 2024 Rising Star Award for Public History by the Massachusetts History Alliance for her programming titled, “The Revolutionary Classroom,” and named a finalist for the 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year. She was additionally awarded the 2025 Teacher of the Year from the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Outstanding Teacher of 2025 Award from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

This program is being held at the Bidwell House Museum. Due to limited space and to ensure enough chocolate samples, tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

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