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Heritage Chocolate Society Meeting Highlights

On February 19-20, 2025, the Heritage Chocolate Society held its annual meeting at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year marked a significant occasion, with the society awarding an impressive $58,900 in the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grants. As a gathering of passionate chocolate and history enthusiasts, this event not only highlights the delicious legacy of chocolate but also encourages educational initiatives surrounding its rich history.

A Growing Community

Founded in 2003 by Forrest E. Mars, Jr., the Heritage Chocolate Society has evolved significantly, now boasting over 150 attendees, including historians, educators, and industry professionals. The meeting focuses on discussing innovative ideas, panels, and presentations designed to inspire projects related to chocolate history. Over time, the society has pushed the envelope on educational discussions surrounding the impact of chocolate on culture and society.

Notable Speakers and Engaging Sessions

This year's event featured a diverse lineup of engaging speakers, including David Pogue, an Emmy-award winning journalist, and Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer of Mars Wrigley North America. They discussed transformative approaches to enhancing museum experiences through civic engagement, and how adopting AI technologies can rejuvenate storytelling methods. Sessions informed attendees about contemporary trends in culture and their implications for museums, ensuring that institutions remain relevant.

Guests also enjoyed a lavish dinner hosted in the National Archives Rotunda, indulging in various historic chocolate desserts made with AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate. The entirety of the gathering culminates in the Annual Gala, where the prestigious sugar-coated grants are presented.

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant was established to support research and educational programming focused on chocolate history, aiming to deliver exciting learning experiences to diverse audiences. Since its inception, over $600,000 in grant funding has been awarded to various institutions across the nation.

This year, a new Classroom Resource Grant category was introduced to provide K-12 teachers with resources for teaching chocolate history. The Lovett School in Atlanta, GA, was the inaugural recipient of this grant, ensuring that students gain insight into this delectable part of history.

Award Winners

The winners of this year’s grants included:

• - Historic Philadelphia/Betsy Ross House (Philadelphia, PA)
• - University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
• - Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education (Tampa Bay, FL)
• - Conner Prairie Museum (Fishers, IN)
• - The Lovett School (Atlanta, GA)

The event also honored Donatavius Williams and Cheyney McKnight for their outstanding contributions in interpretive storytelling, providing recognition for the often-overlooked roles of interpreters and docents in educational settings.

AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate

AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate was founded by Mars Wrigley to educate consumers on the cultural background of chocolate. Their products are crafted with a flavor profile reminiscent of historical recipes, offering a unique consumable history. Available in various formats, from tasting squares to gourmet hot cocoa, these chocolates can be found at historical sites, museums, and fine gift shops across the USA and Canada.

The Future is Bright

With a commitment to supporting initiatives that educate the public about chocolate's history, the Heritage Chocolate Society continues to inspire educational professionals while celebrating the delightful world of chocolate. As they look forward to future gatherings, the stories and history forged through chocolate will be preserved and shared with generations to come.