Mars Seeks Entries for U.S. Chocolate History Research, Interpretation

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., – Mars Wrigley announced today that it is currently accepting submissions for its 2022 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant through October 31, 2021. The grant provides funding for innovation in the areas of chocolate history research, scholarship and education. A minimum of $50,000 in grant money will be awarded.

Created in 2013, the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, has awarded a total of $372,000 to 38 historical, educational and community programs and exhibits over the past nine years. The applicant pool has increased every year, with over 40 organizations applying in 2020 and $100,000 awarded, the highest amount to date. Previous recipients include Fort Ticonderoga, New-York Historical Society, The Betsy Ross House, Genesee Country Village & Museum, Boston University, University of Wisconsin and the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County. Thousands of adults and children throughout North America have experienced the fascinating story of chocolate through Grant-funded chocolate history exhibits, lecture series, live demonstrations, and educational programs.

“The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has enabled historic, educational and civic organizations to create impactful programming that connects people to their history through the lens of chocolate,” said Gail Broadright, Senior Director Sales, Marketing and User Experience Mars Wrigley Premium Brands. “Mars is passionate about education and believes sharing the stories of chocolate through time can help broaden an understanding of the world around us.”

“The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has enabled us to bring to life the history of the start of America’s love of chocolate at our site through exhibits, lectures and cooking demonstrations,” said Dr. Kelley Fanto Deetz, Director of Programming, Education, and Visitor Engagement at Stratford Hall Plantation and two time grant recipient. “The Grant has been critical to not only our programming success, but to engaging new visitors to our location, both virtually and in person.”

Submissions can be made on the AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate website at https://www.americanheritagechocolate.com/grants/grant-application/

American Heritage Chocolate is a line of artisanal chocolate products developed from ingredient lists from the 1750s. The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, named after the company’s owner and advocate of the history of the Americas, has a special emphasis on uncovering and sharing chocolate’s role in global history as well as its influence on heritage and culture. Grant funds will be awarded for project(s) that investigate and/or educate on the history of chocolate and/or the chocolate making process as well as the anticipated audience reach. The scholarship process is competitive, and the awards will be made based on merit as judged by a panel of experts. Educational impact will be at the forefront of this decision process as will attention to equity, inclusion, and diversity in the proposal.

Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society scheduled for February 22-23, 2022 in the Washington D.C area.

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