Sanilac County Historical Society continues its “Fridays at 5” history lecture series this week on Friday July 18, at 5:00 PM, with a unique and fascinating virtual presentation by culinary historian and wine educator Samuel Wai, titled “The Last Meal on the Titanic.”
This immersive hour-long lecture, followed by a Q&A session, explores a lesser-known but captivating aspect of the ill-fated ocean liner—its food, wine, and dining culture. Drawing from his extensive background in wine education and historical culinary events, Mr. Wai will guide guests through the first-class dining experience aboard the Titanic, detailing the menu of its final night, the wine pairings, and the personalities behind the ship’s legendary cuisine.
The lecture will also explore the Edwardian ethos that shaped dining customs of the era and provide historical context about the Titanic itself, including the events of the night it sank and how its dining culture reflected the social structure of the time.
Wai, a retired financial executive, has spent over 35 years teaching wine education through the lens of culture and history. He regularly hosts theme dinners based on historical menus—most notably Titanic-themed evenings—at a Victorian-era home in Moorhead, Minnesota, in partnership with the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. Alongside his wife, Mr. Wai also leads immersive food, wine, and history tours in Greece.
Admission for this event is $10 for the general public and $5 for 2025 SCHS Members. Don’t miss this chance to taste history—at least in spirit—and learn about the last supper served aboard one of history’s most iconic ships.
The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is located at 228 S. Ridge St (M25) in Port Sanilac. For more information visit www.sanilaccountymuseum.org or on Facebook at “Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum”, or call the office at 810.622.9946.
