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Historical society to offer A Taste of Lewes' Dutch Past April 8

March 22, 2017

A Taste of Lewes' Dutch Past will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at the Lewes Historical Society's Museum Store at 302 Savannah Road during the Lewes Tulip Celebration.

In the mid-19th century, a Dutch chocolatier named Coenraad Van Houten helped transform the previously complex 18th century artisan craft of grinding cacao on a stone into a mechanized industry, leading to the commercialization of the candy bar and other chocolate products known today. Customers were told of chocolate's healthfulness which gave new life and energy. In the late 19th century, when people purchased chocolate, they also received a colorful trade card to save or share.

The event will feature free historic chocolate-making demonstrations and samples given by a team of Lewes Historical Society volunteer living history interpreters in period garb. Attendees will learn more about 19th century chocolate trade cards and their connection to Lewes' Dutch beginnings and continued heritage.

Old World Breads bakery will also offer a Dutch taste with heritage baked products for sale at the Museum Store. Also available at the store are blue-and-white Dutch-style ceramics, along with iconic Lewes products, books and apparel, as well as locally sourced art, food, and crafts.

For more information about the 2017 Lewes Tulip Celebration, go to www.leweschamber.com. For more information about The Lewes Historical Society, call 302-645-7670 or go to www.HistoricLewes.org.

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