Naperville, IL -  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 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Visitors can collect period-appropriate chocolate recipes in the historic houses. A fact-finding sheet for children about chocolate can be filled out as the young people move through the different buildings.

Guest speaker Cathy Bouchard, owner of Le Chocolat Bar and Perfect Details, will give a lecture on the history of chocolate at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday 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.

Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 for youth ages 4-17. Children 3 and under are free. For more information, call (630) 420-6010 or visit our Web site at www.napersettlement.museum.

The past comes to life at Naper Settlement, the only outdoor history museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement is open year round. For more information, call (630) 420-6010, the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.

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