A Taste of Providence: The Rise of Chocolate

The dining room of Lippitt House Museum is home to an array of art pieces, though none are quite as intriguing as The Chocolate Girl. This 19th century oil painting hangs above the grand dining room and depicts a servant carrying two cups, one with water and the other with hot chocolate. While it may seem like a curious choice of art piece, the presence of this painting in the Lippitt family dining room is reflective of the important and fascinating role chocolate played throughout US history.

The practice of chocolate production is over 4,000 years old and originates in what is present day Mexico and Central America. The US has its own history with chocolate consumption, much of which can be linked to military endeavors. During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was included in rations for soldiers and was widely valued as an energy booster. (source)