History Happy Hours: Political Appetites with Dr. Nancy Siegel
History Happy Hours: Political Appetites with Dr. Nancy Siegel explores how food became a form of political communication during the American Revolution and Early Republic. Culinary and art historian Nancy Siegel will discuss tea boycotts, homemade “Liberty Tea,” Election Cake, Washington Pie, Mammoth Cheese, and other foods and dining customs that expressed resistance, patriotism, civic values, and emerging American identity.
The program will draw on Siegel’s new book, *Political Appetites: The Power of Food in Revolutionary America*, using stories about ingredients, recipes, and kitchen objects to show how ordinary meals could serve as tools of protest, persuasion, and public celebration. Siegel is a professor of art history and culinary history at Towson University and has led historical cooking demonstrations, tastings, and lectures at museums and cultural institutions nationwide. Her book will be available for signing. As part of Sandy Spring Museum’s monthly History Happy Hours series, 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 early for exclusive admission and bar access beginning at 5:45 p.m. Doors open to the public at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is $25. Museum member admission is $20. Student admission is $10, with no museum member discount for student tickets. VIP tables cost $150, or $120 for museum members, and accommodate four people.
Lineup: Nancy Siegel, Professor of Art History and Culinary History at Towson University
Series: History Happy Hours is a monthly evening series featuring historians, authors, and subject-matter experts discussing historical and cultural topics.
Venue: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
Parking: Free parking is available.
Ages: No age restriction is stated on the event page.
Accessibility: The event page does not provide accessibility information.
Contact: Sandy Spring Museum can be reached at (301) 774-0022 or info@sandyspringmuseum.org.