Smithsonian to document US brewing

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has announced an initiative to document the history of brewing in the US.

Announced yesterday (4 May) at the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo in Philadelphia, the project, which has been sponsored by the Brewers Association of Boulder, will be part of the institute’s ‘Food History’ project and will span three years.

The goal of the initiative will be to preserve the history of brewing and the industry as well as explore how beer connects to social, cultural, economic and environmental factors and the impact of the growing craft beer movement.

The researchers will also examine beer’s links with advertising, agriculture, industry, innovation, business and community life.

The Smithsonian’s director, John Gray, said: “Brewing has a long and deep connection to our country’s history, and the museum’s collections explore the history of beer from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

“The support of the Brewers Association allows our staff to collect the more recent history, including the impact of small and independent craft brewers who continue to advance the U.S. beer culture and inspire brewers worldwide.”

Bob Pease, CEO of the Brewers Association, added: “The craft brewing revolution in America has had a profound social, cultural and economic impact on this country.

“America is a beer destination. We are honoured to support this effort and work with the National Museum of American History to chronicle and showcase the significant achievements small and independent brewers have made throughout this nation’s history.”

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