As American craft beer grows in popularity, it is also becoming a subject of historical research by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. On May 4, 2016, at the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America in Philadelphia, the museum announced that it would begin a project to collect, document and preserve the history of brewing, craft brewers and the beer industry. The project is part of the larger “Smithsonian Food History” project. The initiative is made possible through a donation from the Brewers Association of Boulder, Colo., the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers.
“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,” said John Gray, the director of the museum. “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.”
Beer and brewing have been an important part of the American experience since before the nation’s founding and into the present day, and beer production for the past 30 years has been connected to significant social, cultural, economic and environmental movements across the country. Museum staff will explore the unique connections between brewing and broader themes, including advertising, agriculture, industry, innovation, business and community life.
“The craft brewing revolution in America has had a profound social, cultural and economic impact on this country,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “America is a beer destination. We are honored 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.”