Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village will host “19th-Century Chocolate,” on Saturday, Aug. 27. (Photo: the 19th-Century Meadowcroft Village)

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center family of museums, will host a new event, 19th-Century Chocolate, on Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 10 a.m.

The all-day event will take a sweet look at how chocolate was produced and consumed during the 19th century. Visitors will enjoy ice cream demonstrations and learn about the history of chocolate in cakes and how the treat has changed through the ages.

19th-Century Chocolate is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate. There will be free samples of American Heritage Chocolate (individually wrapped) while the supply lasts. 

In addition, visitors can step further back in time and enjoy the family-friendly activities offered at Meadowcroft.

Families can explore an Indian wigwam in a recreated 16th-century Monongahela Indian Village, watch a blacksmith forge red-hot iron in the 19th-century Meadowcroft Village, and tour the Rockshelter, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest site of human habitation in North America. The 18th-century frontier area will also be open to visitors as staff works on updates to the European trader’s cabin. Visitors are invited to watch and ask questions.

For regular visitors, the event is included with standard Meadowcroft admission: $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens, and $7 for students. Kids aged 17 and under receive FREE admission.