History Happy Hours: Political Appetites with Dr. Nancy Siegel

History Happy Hours: Political Appetites with Dr. Nancy Siegel explores the political significance of food during the American Revolution and Early Republic. Culinary historian Nancy Siegel will discuss how ingredients, recipes, meals, and kitchen objects expressed identity, resistance, civic values, and national aspirations. Topics include colonial tea boycotts, homemade Liberty Tea, Election Cake, Washington Pie, and Mammoth Cheese.

Siegel’s presentation draws on her book *Political Appetites: The Power of Food in Revolutionary America*, which examines the relationship between food, politics, and national identity. She is a professor of art history and culinary history at Towson University and has presented historical cooking demonstrations, tastings, and lectures at museums and cultural institutions nationwide. Copies of her book will be available for signing. Admission includes complimentary beer, wine, and snacks.

When: November 19, 2026

Showtimes: The program runs from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Museum members may arrive for exclusive admission and bar access beginning at 5:45 p.m.; doors open to the general public at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 museum-member admission; $10 student admission, with no museum-member discount. VIP tables are $150, or $120 for museum members, and accommodate four people.

Presenter: Dr. Nancy Siegel, professor of art history and culinary history at Towson University

Program: History Happy Hours is a monthly evening series featuring historians, authors, and other subject-matter experts discussing historical and cultural topics.

Venue: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860

Parking: Free parking is available.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.

Contact: Sandy Spring Museum at (301) 774-0022 or info@sandyspringmuseum.org.