This Wilmington Event Celebrates Love with History, Wine and Chocolate

The Delaware Historical Society gets festive this Friday.

 

Is a dozen roses or a romantic dinner for two not your cup of tea? Then we’ve found a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day that will surely pique your interest. The Delaware Historical Society is hosting “Pick Your Poison: A Wine and History Event” on Friday beginning at 6 p.m.

The event is centered around an incident that took place in 1898. Mrs. Cordelia Botkin was arrested in San Francisco for the murder of two women in Dover, Delaware. How did she kill these women in a state she claimed to have never visited? The answer lies with a box of poisoned chocolates and the U.S. Postal Service. It was the first case of “murder by mail” in the U.S., and it had newspapers across the country turning their attention to the First State as the drama began to unfold.

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So what drove Botkin to commit this crime? Quite simply, it was love. Botkin was having an affair with the husband of one of her victims.

It’s been over 120 years since the crime, but this tragic story of love-gone-wrong still hits home for many. In the spirit of celebrating love and Valentines Day, the Delaware Historical Society will share some of its romantic items from its collections. Guests will also enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting while hearing tales of love—both good and bad—from Delaware’s own history.

Registration required: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. You must be 21 and over to attend.

NOTE: The event has sold out, but you can be added to the waiting list by calling (302) 655-7161.


More information:
504 N. Market St., Wilmington
655-7161, dehistory.org
Free parking is available courtesy of Colonial Parking on the corner of 6th and Shipley Streets.

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