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NEWARK, N.J. – The Heritage Chocolate Society celebrated its annual meeting on February 19-20 in Washington, D.C. where it awarded $58,900 in Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grants at its annual gala at the Mayflower Hotel. Hosted by Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, the Heritage Chocolate Society is a passionate community of history and chocolate lovers who gather every year to exchange ideas, inspire one another and bring new, creative concepts back to their historic sites and museums to share with the world.
Created in 2003 by American history advocate Forrest E. Mars, Jr. to further the study of chocolate's diverse history and its impact on society and culture, the Historic Chocolate Society has evolved from a gathering of just 15 attendees to a meeting of more than 150 history and educational professionals who push boundaries and pursue innovation, education and fun. The meeting has become an annual highlight for all because of its roster of best-in-class speakers, peer panels, incredible evening entertainment as well as new candy innovations from some of Mars' most beloved brands.
"The Heritage Chocolate Society has paved the way for countless new ideas, exhibits and programming," says Kelly Lynch, Marketing Director, Mars Wrigley Premium Brands. "Mars is dedicated to funding and supporting these ideas to ensure the stories about one of the world's most favorite foods—chocolate—continue to be told and shared with younger generations."
This year's Heritage Chocolate Society was packed full of memorable speakers, sessions and entertainment. The meeting kicked-off with a keynote address from Emmy-award winning journalist, David Pogue. Other speakers included Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer of Mars Wrigley North America and historian and author, Jason Steinhauer. Attendees heard from experts about transforming their sites into civic spaces as well as using AI as an exciting audience engagement and storytelling tool. New data from the American Alliance of Museums was revealed on culture trends and its implications for museums. Guests were treated to a dinner in the National Archives Rotunda and an array of historic chocolate desserts made with AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate.
The meeting culminates every year at the Society's Annual Gala and Grant Awards presentation. Created in 2013, The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant funds chocolate history research and educational programming, making sure it is brought to audiences in the most impactful and entertaining way. Since the Grant's inception, there has been over $600,000 in grant funding awarded to 32 institutions for 63 grant projects.
In addition, a new award was introduced this year for Interpreters, Docents, Kit Makers and Guides. These dedicated people often work without recognition or financial support. Monetary prizes were presented to historians Donatavius Williams and Cheyney McKnight for their excellence in interpretive storytelling and guest engagement.
A total of five Forrest E. Mars Jr. Chocolate History Grants totaling $58,900 were presented. A Classroom Resource Grant category was created for teachers of K-12 students in the United States, providing much needed supplies as well as engaging chocolate history education into the classroom. The first Classroom Resource Grant was awarded to The Lovett School in Atlanta, GA. The winners of the 2025 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant are:
- 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)
