Few and far between are the people who don't love chocolate. So why not savor a little history along with the that rich, sweet treat?

You'll get your chance at 7 tonight, when author Anthony Sammarco gives a lecture at the Buttonwoods Museum in Haverhill about The Baker's Chocolate Company, founded in Dorchester in 1765, and the history of chocolate.

Louise Richard, a volunteer for the Georgetown Historical Society, thought Sammarco's presentation would be particularly well timed for the holidays — when everyone is looking for recipes that might even double as gifts.

She and Sammarco, who have known one another for years, worked together to organize the evening that benefits the Georgetown and Haverhill Historical societies and Winnekinni Foundation Inc.

"People love chocolate," Richard said.

But Sammarco's talk isn't just about chocolate, she said. "It's about the founding of the mills in Dorchester and how they developed."

Sammarco wrote "The Baker's Chocolate" over three years after learning that Baker's is the oldest manufacturer of chocolate in the United States, though currently owned by Kraft Food.

"It's a way to make people realize chocolate was a mainstay in the area of the Dorchester Mills, and provided jobs," Sammarco said. "By World War II, it was the second largest employer on the South Shore of Massachusetts."

Richard, who was allowed to read the introduction before the book was published, said people used to smuggle cocoa beans into the United States to make chocolate before manufacturers like Baker's existed. But there will be no need to smuggle chocolate into tonight's event.

"Emily's Bakery from Haverhill, Mass., will provide free chocolate before and after the lecture," Richard said. "Anthony will also be bringing Baker's Chocolate memorabilia to sell."

Plus, they can pick up a copy of Sammarco's book, which features recipes, including one he highly recommends for famous German Sweet Chocolate Cake.

"It was created by a 1950s Texas home baker," using Baker's German chocolate, Sammarco said. "It's a fun recipe."

IF YOU GO:

What: Author Anthony Sammarco talks about the history of Baker's Chocolate Company in Dorchester. Chocolate served by Emily's Bakery.

When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12.

Where: Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St., Haverhill.

How: Purchase tickets at the door, $12. For more information call 978-374-4626.