NPR

How The Story Of Beer Is The Story Of America

The Smithsonian's first brewing historian explores everything from immigration to urbanization through the lens of beer. And with the boom in microbrewing, she says beer's story has come full circle.
A group of men with full glasses proudly pose with their keg of beer in San Francisco, 1895.

If you crack open a beer this Fourth of July, history might not be the first thing on your mind. But for Theresa McCulla, the first brewing historian at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, the story of beer is the story of America.

"If you want to talk about the history of immigration in America, or urbanization or the expansion of transportation networks, really any subject that you want

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR5 min read
United Methodists Will Again Debate LGBTQ Clergy And Same-sex Weddings
The United Methodist Church is holding its first General Conference since the pandemic and will consider whether to change policies on several LGBTQ issues.
NPR3 min read
'Tales Of Kenzera: ZAU': A Deep Story About Grief Leavened By Satisfying Gameplay
New action platformer Tales of Kenzera: ZAU delivers a moving story, sleek traversal, and a brilliant setting gleaming with Afro-futurist highlights. It's just not as meaty as competing Metroidvanias.
NPR5 min read
Sleep Training: Life Preserver For Parents Or "Symptom Of Capitalism"?
Well, I'm back. After a lengthy parental leave, when publication of the Planet Money newsletter decreased in frequency, I'm now working full-time and the newsletter will go back to being published weekly. As always, I will continue to do my best to

Related Books & Audiobooks