Beer Tastings and History at the New York Historical Society

Bar tray, 1900–1930. The New-York Historical Society, Gift of Bella C. Landauer. Photo: NYHS

By Laura B. Weiss

Calling all brewmeisters and beer fiends. You can sample beer and see exhibits chronicling the sudsy brew’s storied New York history at Brew Here, the New York Historical Society‘s summer exhibit, opening May 25, 2012. It’ll go all summer long, until September 2.

The exhibit will walk you through beer’s long and colorful history in New York, from the 17th century to the present. Apparently, New York’s brewing history is largely unknown. That’s kind of strange considering all the beer making going on these days.

So if you have a thirst for beer—not just drinking it, but knowing something about its local roots—mosey on over to the NYHS. Here’s some of what you’ll learn and get to view:

The nutritional properties of colonial beer and early New York brewers in the age of revolution;
Large-scale brewing in nineteenth-century New York and the influence of immigration;
The influence of temperance and impact of prohibition;
Bottling, canning, refrigeration and other technological advances;
A 1779 account book from a New York City brewer who sold beer and ale to both the British and patriot sides
A bronze medal that commemorates an 1855 New York State temperance law;
Beer trays from a variety of late nineteenth-century brewers;
A sign from the campaign to repeal prohibition;
And a selection of advertisements from Piels, Rheingold and Schaefer, hometown brewers of bygone days.

You’ll get thirsty after all that brewski learning. Not to worry. There’s a beer hall attached to the exhibit featuring a selection of New York City and State artisanal beers. The beer hall hours are: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays: 2pm–6pm, Fridays: 2pm–8pm, Sundays: 2pm–5pm

Want more beer mind food and a host of tastings? Here are some other events that will take place throughout the summer.

For tickets to these programs, please call the New-York Historical Society’s call center at (212) 485-9268 or visit http://www.nyhistory.org/programs.

BEER APPRECIATION NIGHT: THE HISTORY AND RENAISSANCE OF AMERICAN BREWING

Tuesday, July 10, 6:30 PM

Program & Beer Tasting combined ticket $49 (Members $37)

Program only $24 (members $12)

Location: Robert H. Smith Auditorium at the New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West

BEER TASTINGS:

Individual Tasting Program $35 (Members $20). Six Pack Special Discount (purchase by telephone or in person only): purchase tickets to six separate tastings for only $150 (members $100). You must be 21 years old or older to enjoy our tastings.

EMPIRE BREWING COMPANY

Wednesday July 4, 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Saturday, July 7, 2:00 & 4:00 PM