Most Boston visitors and students of American history know the story of the Boston Tea Party. But did you know that when the colonists stopped drinking tea due to taxation they instead turned to drinking chocolate? 

Infamous American patriot Paul Revere even crafted dedicated drinking chocolate pots that can be seen on view at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Boston and the state of Massachusetts have many historical connections to chocolate that continue on from that point in time, including being the home of the very first chocolate factory in North America, the first roadside retail confectionary operation, and the first forays into commercial white chocolate production. We’re the birthplace of a number of classic and beloved desserts and treats and the resting place of the famed Fannie Farmer, who lent her amazing recipes developed at the Boston Cooking School to the world through her iconic cookbook and was the inspiration for the nostalgic candy company of the similar name.

A chocolate sommelier, writer, and tour guide for over 12 years, Victoria Kichuk brings a unique blend of storytelling ability with an accessible approach to food education that ushers audiences toward a new appreciation of chocolate while learning about its greater historical, geographical, scientific, or cultural context. 

Cocoa Beantown, a Boston-based chocolate education and experiences company, spreads the love of chocolate through a variety of cocoa-centric neighborhood walking tours, tasting and pairing events, socials, classes and educational lectures, to folks from around the Hub and beyond, bringing smiles to the faces of chocoholics from 19 months to 99 years old. Cocoa Beantown is also a frequent collaborator and trusted partner of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute.

Hosted by Cocoa Beantown, come learn about the history of Massachusetts chocolate!