The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce a lecture about the history of maple syrup – including free samples! – with Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Association’s Steve Saupe.

Saupe will provide an overview of the history of maple syrup with an emphasis on making a great tasting product. Pure maple syrup is only made in certain parts of North America and nowhere else in the world!  Minnesota is one of nineteen states in the United States where maple syrup is made, and the most westerly state to make syrup.

For nearly 50 years the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Association (MMSPA) has served the maple syrup industry of Minnesota. Incorporated as a non-profit membership association in 1966, the MMSPA has promoted quality maple products and provided information and education to members. MMSPA exists to support and encourage maple syrup production in Minnesota by hobbyists and licensed commercial producers alike.

Producers today owe a debt of gratitude to MMSPA’s first president, Clifford Dalbey of Mora, Minnesota who, along with 13 other producers, formed the MMSPA in 1966. Today the association is made up of over 100 maple syrup producers from the state of Minnesota. Learn more about them at: mnmaple.org

The program will be available in-person at the Washington County Heritage Center and virtually on Zoom. No reservations are required for in-person attendees. Please visit wchsmn.org/events to register for the Zoom.

The program is free to the public. For questions, contact Washington County Heritage Center Site Manager Emily Krawczewski at emily.krawczewski@wchsmn.org or 651-439-2298. The Washington County Heritage Center is open for visitors Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Founded in 1934, the Washington County Historical Society is a donor-supported, nonprofit organization with more than 750 individual, family, and business members. WCHS is supported by individual gifts, memberships and earned income, and foundation gran