February 17
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

February 18
1-4 p.m.

$8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 (youth 4-17)

Members are free

For hundreds of years, chocolate has captured the imaginations and taste buds of people around the world. But the bitter-tasting chocolate the early settlers consumed was quite different from the creamy, sweet candy we enjoy today. To learn more interesting and unusual facts about chocolate, don't miss The Bittersweet History of Chocolate to be held Feb. 17-18. Visitors can collect period-appropriate chocolate recipes in the historic houses. A fact-finding sheet about chocolate for children can be filled out as youth move through the different buildings.

At noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, guest speaker Cathy Bouchard, owner of Le Chocolat and Perfect Details, will give a lecture on the history of chocolate in Century Memorial Chapel where she will show samples of raw cacao and cocoa beans. She also will offer samples of authentic Mexican drinking chocolate that will be served in the Pre-Emption House Tavern.