Last call for "Beer Chicago" exhibit at Elmhurst Historical Museum

Beer has a way of bringing people together like no other beverage can. From corner taverns in the neighborhoods of Chicago to the shiny new brew pubs emerging throughout the area today—beer has always been an integral part of the city’s culture and history.

The Elmhurst Historical Museum sheds light on many of the interesting and little-known aspects of beer’s impact in the current exhibit, “Beer Chicago: The Refreshing History.” The exhibit is open through February 14, 2016 at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst. “Beer Chicago” taps into the cultural and historical connections to a beverage that has risen from humble roots as the drink of the working man to the revered libation of craft beer geeks everywhere. Beer and Chicago, it would seem, have grown up together.

This original exhibit was created in-house by the Elmhurst Historical Museum staff and was written by Liz Garibay, a Chicago beer and tavern historian and author. The exhibit takes a look back to Chicago’s inception, where beer had a role in gathering community leaders together to create the Town of Chicago. Through photographs, artifacts, beer memorabilia, and interactive displays, “Beer Chicago” offers insight into Chicago’s many connections to beer, from Prohibition and politics to the Great Chicago Beer Riot and more.

A highlight of the “Beer Chicago” exhibit is an interactive “bar” featuring a real-life bartender (who also happens to be a Northwestern University history professor) who encourages patrons to step up and choose from three taps to find out more about Chicago beer history. In addition, profiles of many bygone Chicago breweries tell the tale of immigrants who brought their craft to the city to create a booming industry that was considered dead and has sprung back to life in the form of today’s craft beer movement.

Before the exhibit closes on February 14,, 2016, the Elmhurst Historical Museum is closing out the exhibit run with a number of fun and fascinating programs:

January 21, 2016—Thirsty Third Thursday: Beer Talk & Tasting, 6:30 p.m. FREE
Learn more about Chicago’s fascinating beer history with exhibit author and beer historian Liz Garibay. Liz will explore the theme “Chicago Beer Today,” coupled with a complimentary tasting by Bridgeport’s Marz Brewing for those visitors 21 and older with ID. Park at the Museum and tour the Beer Chicago exhibit before the talk begins; Museum will be open 1-8 p.m.
Location: Pints, 112 S. York St., Elmhurst

January 28, 2016—Lagunitas Small Plate & Beer Pairing, 7 p.m.
Cost: $15 Elmhurst Heritage Foundation members/$18 Non-members
Beer pairs well with more than just pretzels! Bring a friend or a date and sample delectable small plates paired with different Lagunitas beers, and learn why the combinations work. Price includes four appetizers and four 5-oz. beer samples. Must be 21 and older with photo ID, preregistration required. Register at: elmhursthistory.org (in the Adult Programs section)
Location: Pints, 112 S. York, Elmhurst

February 6, 2016—“Beer Chicago” Gallery Talk with Baderbrau’s Rob Sama, 2 p.m. FREE
It’s closing time! Savor the last few drops of the “Beer Chicago” exhibit with Rob Sama, founder and president of Baderbrau, the revitalized Chicago brand that was once brewed in Elmhurst. He’ll share the story about his passion for Baderbrau beer and how they have resurrected this popular product line for a new generation of beer drinkers. End your tour with a coupon good for a half-pint of craft beer or cider at our nearby neighborhood bar, Pints (112 S. York).
Location: Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst

For more information on these programs, go to www.elmhursthistory.org.

Last call! Tap into “Beer Chicago: The Refreshing History” through February 14, 2016 at the Elmhurst Historical Museum. Visitation hours are: Sunday, Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Third Thursdays, 1 to 8 p.m. General admission and limited on-site parking are free. For the latest exhibit and program information, please like the museum’s Facebook page, visit www.elmhursthistory.org, or call (630) 833-1457.