Tavern Night at the Hempsted Houses, Oct. 4

Beer isn’t just delicious, it’s historic. Share samples of New England’s best with author Lauren Clark at the Hempsted Houses from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 4 and hear the story of the region’s scrappy and resourceful brewing culture.

Clark is the author of “Crafty Bastards: Beer in New England from the Mayflower to Modern Day,” published this year by Union Park Press.

The region that defined Yankee ingenuity has a beer heritage in keeping with its character: brewing in New England goes back four centuries, beginning with the Pilgrims. Making beer in here hasn’t always been easy. But beer has always been and continues to be a staple of New England life.

Clark is a freelance journalist and former bartender and brewer. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, and Yankee Magazine, among other publications. She is also the founder of drinkboston.com.

Copies of Clark’s book will be available for signing. Space is limited and reservations are required. $20 ($15 for Connecticut Landmarks members) includes tasting and refreshments. Email hempsted@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-443-7949.

The Hempsted Houses are located at 11 Hempstead Street in New London. The 1678 Joshua Hempsted House is the oldest house in New London and is one of New England’s best-documented dwellings.