Holiday Tea

Savor tea, delectable bites, and desserts while enjoying a fascinating presentation by food historian Susan Benjamin that explores candy’s role as a symbol of class and status in America. From high teas to holiday traditions, and from crunchy to silky smooth, explore how confections have shaped social rituals and celebrations through history.

Susan Benjamin, president of True Treats in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia—the nation’s only research-based candy store—is a leading expert on how sweets and sugars shaped North America from early history through the mid-1900s. Attendees will receive samples of candies with origins spanning from the Ottoman Empire to the 1900s, including Turkish delights, cream filberts, molasses pulls, and more!

After the program, Susan will be available to sign copies of her book, Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America’s Favorite Pleasure (available for purchase in the Museum Store for $18). This 320-page book is a fun read exploring candy’s evolution—from ancient Egyptian marshmallow harvesting to 20th-century innovations. Be sure to visit the Museum Store to shop a collection of candies & teas from True Treats, perfect for holiday gift giving.

MSV Holiday Tea Menu:
Early Grey Cream Tea | Strawberry Hibiscus Blend Tea
Parsnip, Sweet Potato, and Apple Fritters with Sweet Pepper Cream
Tangy Lemon Bars with Blueberry Compote
Tarragon, Spiced Pecan and Red Grape Chicken Salad Cups
Cranberry, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Thyme Open-Faced Biscuit
Spiced Apple and Salted Caramel Cream Cups

MSV members: $50; all others: $60 (includes admission). Registration required by December 8; visit www.theMSV.org or call 540-662-1473, ext. 240.

Click to see MSV policies on refunds, photography, and COVID-19 updates.