The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook Talk & Book Signing at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

Food historian Becky L. Diamond returns to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum for a holiday presentation and book signing exploring the culinary traditions of Christmas during America’s Gilded Age. The event takes place Sunday, December 13, from 2 to 4 pm and is based on Diamond’s book, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America’s Golden Era.

The illustrated talk explores the history behind beloved holiday traditions, including Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and Christmas cards, along with festive foods and celebrations ranging from debutante parties and teas to New Year’s gatherings and grand balls. Guests can also learn about historic holiday delicacies such as sugar plums and discover inspiration for adding a historical touch to their seasonal recipes.

Diamond is a writer, librarian, and research historian who has published five books on food history. Her other titles include The Gilded Age Cookbook, City Tavern: The Founding Table, The Thousand Dollar Dinner, and Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s First Cooking School. A tasting and additional refreshments will follow the presentation.

The event will be held at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Admission is $15 for museum members and $20 for nonmembers.

Tickets can be reserved through the Events page at https://www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/.