Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Experience Chocolate like never before in this special exhibit that will take you on an adventure through the rainforest and history—a delight to satisfy all five senses. Visit the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History from May 15-September 12, 2010 and explore the history of the cacao tree and its origins in the South American rainforest. Follow the steps as the cacao tree seeds are transformed into one of the worlds most prized and delicious commodities—chocolate. Learn about the versatility of practical, traditional, spicy, sweet and savory uses for chocolate—seeds were even used as money in some cultures.

The exhibition will explore the plant, the products and the culture of chocolate by reflecting on perspectives of botany, ecology, anthropology and economics. Today, we associate chocolate with desserts and other sweets but that hasn’t always been the case. The ancient Maya culture made spicy drinks from ground cacao seeds and used them in royal and religious ceremonies. Since the cacao tree was indigenous to the tropical rainforest climate it was a very profitable export that had significant impact on trade relationships once it was introduced to the upper classes of European society. After which, the wide spread demand for chocolate created a market for the mass-produced world commodity it is today.

Chocolate plays a roll in nearly every holiday celebration from the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate on Valentine’s Day to  chocolate bunnies for Easter. Have a seat on holiday chocolate chairs and enjoy the sweet and sometimes bitter aroma of the hundreds of creations all made from the cacao seed. This exhibit won’t be around for long, so check it out before the sweetness runs out. If all that chocolate talk has you working up a sweet tooth, then stop by the museum store where you’ll find a wide variety of chocolate treats and other souvenirs.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers an expansive collection of more than 7 million objects belonging to the people of the state of Oklahoma. Established in 1899, the Museum was founded on the campus of the University of the Territory of Oklahoma in Norman, now the University of Oklahoma. With more than 4 billion years of Oklahoma’s natural history on display and five galleries that feature thousands of artifacts—visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma.

- by Jennifer Pruett, Oklahoma City Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.