On this episode of *Dave Does History*, we’re taking a bite out of something sweet, simple, and surprisingly historic—vanilla ice cream. July 23 marks National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, and while some folks might write it off as “plain,” this flavor has roots that stretch from the ancient empires of Mesoamerica to the elegant kitchens of Monticello. Along the way, it picked up a few secrets, stirred up more than a few memories, and became a quiet classic on American tables. For me, it’s personal. My dad loved vanilla ice cream. So do I. And now, I’ve got a photo of my son, three generations in, digging in with the same joy. Today, we’ll explore the backstory of that iconic scoop, trace its journey through time, and maybe even rediscover why something so familiar can still surprise us. Stick around. This one’s as cool as it gets.
