Tickets required; Advanced reservations highly encouraged
Recommended for ages 8+
Join us for a special evening exploring the history, traditions, and flavors of Emancipation Day through an engaging presentation and a thoughtfully prepared meal inspired by African American culinary heritage.
Emancipation Day celebrations have long brought communities together to commemorate freedom, honor perseverance, and preserve cultural traditions. This is true of the Mid-Ohio Valley where Emancipation Day commemorations occurred through the early 1900s. Food has always played a central role in many of these gatherings - especially picnics, serving as an expression of family and heritage. During this Food History Dinner, guests will discover the origins of Emancipation Day observances, learn about the significance of the foods traditionally served, and explore the history behind local celebrations.
Throughout the evening, enjoy a delicious multi-course meal inspired by historic dishes while learning how food has reflected the struggles, achievements, and enduring traditions of African American communities from the nineteenth century to today.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, this special program offers an opportunity to connect with an important chapter of American history through the universal language of food.
Reservations are required. Seating is limited.
Event Highlights:
A three-course meal based on authentic historic recipes.
An engaging presentation on the significance and history of Mid-Ohio Valley Emancipation Day celebrations.
Featuring guest speaker Tee Ford-Ahmed
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or both, this immersive evening will feed your curiosity—and your appetite!
Check back for this evening’s menu! Coming soon!
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location:
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption
Social Hall
506 4th St., Marietta, OH
Price:
$46.50/Nonmembers
$41.50/Castle Members & Volunteers (Use Code "foodmember" at check out)
Have a group of 8 or more? Call about our group rate.
**Reservations required by 5pm Thursday, August 20**
Early Bird Registration Bonus! Register by Monday, Aug 10 and receive one FREE Castle Museum House Tour with each reservation purchased. Eligible reservations will be added to our complimentary House Tour guest list under the purchaser's name. Free tours may be redeemed at the Carriage House Visitor Center.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dietary restrictions should be noted before or upon making reservations and at the latest by Thurs., August 20 by calling The Castle at 740-373-4180.
Seating will be “family style” and in cases of groups of 7 or less we can’t guarantee table reservations. Ample seating will be available for individuals and groups to have seating options.
Doors open no earlier than 5:45pm to welcome guests and allow them to find seats.
About the Speaker:
Trevellya “Tee” Ford, PhD., Director of Communication and Media for the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center is the 2026 National Association of Black Storytellers Ohio Fellow. She has dedicated her post-academic philanthropic work to researching Athens County’s ancestral history, its cultural bearers, educators, and the preservation of one of the region’s last remaining iconic Black structures—whose origins date to 1872, just nine years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Much of this Southeastern Ohio Appalachian history has since been destroyed, erased, or forgotten. Her efforts have focused on reclaiming the spirit and intent of Lincoln’s proclamation—an act that declared an end to slavery in the Confederacy and gestured toward the promises embedded in Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence.
During her inquiries, Dr. Ford developed a particular interest in the foods that sustained Black communities during Emancipation Day celebrations, as well as the historic sites that hosted these gatherings. This work has culminated in a series of documentary episodes titled Black Wall Street Athens County. She will join us to share insights into local history, regional cuisines, and offer a teaser from one of the episodes.
Affectionately known as “Dr. Tee” by her students at West Virginia State University, she will introduce notable Athens landmarks and discuss the cultural foundations of several traditional dishes enjoyed throughout the region. She holds a Ph.D. from the School of Telecommunications at Ohio University, an M.A. Interpersonal Communication from New York University, and a B.F.A. in Directing from the Art Institute of Chicago.
A teaser from Black Wall Street Athens County, Episode 2 is offered here. The clip offers a glimpse of one of Martha “Mattie” Berry’s celebrated confections—treats enjoyed by guests of the famed Hotel Berry, including President Theodore Roosevelt during his visits.
In partnership with The Cook’s Shop conveniently located in historic, downtown Marietta! Learn more about The Cook’s Shop by clicking here.
With generous support from the Arthur and Jeane Edwards Charitable Fund, Marietta Community Foundation
