Although most Americans have heard of sugar plums thanks to the famous holiday poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, many have likely never have had the pleasure of tasting one of these luxuries or even know what they really are (hint: they are not sugar-dusted plums).

This program, based on the Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, explores the fascinating history behind the many holiday traditions that became popular during the Gilded Age, such as the Christmas tree, Santa Claus and sending Christmas cards, alongside stories of holiday foods and events ranging from debutante parties and teas to New Year’s celebrations and grand balls. A tasting and other refreshments will be offered following
the presentation.

Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum | Rotunda

Tickets:  $15 Members | $20 Non-Members
Purchase Tickets on our Eventbrite Page >>

Becky Libourel Diamond is a writer, librarian, and research historian. She has been writing about food since 2008, parlaying her passion for food and history into the publication of five books about food history: City Tavern: The Founding Table, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, The Gilded Age Cookbook, The Thousand Dollar Dinner, and Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s First Cooking School. Ms. Diamond is currently working on a cookbook highlighting recipes from Edith Wharton’s private collection. She lives in Yardley, PA.

LMMM’s 2026 Lecture Series is sponsored in part by The DiNardo-Aiello Family Fund and The Sante Center for Natural Healing. LMMM’s 2026 programs are made possible in part by LMMM’s Season Distinguished Benefactors: The City of Norwalk, The Maurice Goodman Foundation, Inc., and Lockwood-Mathews Foundation, Inc., LMMM’s Leadership Patrons: Dr. Michele & Attorney Miklos Koleszar and The Sealark Foundation, Inc., and LMMM’s Founding Patrons: The Estate of Mrs. Cynthia Clark Brown.

photos: Heather Raub of FrontRoom Images | Stocking Postcard: Ellen H. Clapsaddle (c. 1910)