Event—Adult Education

From Bier to Beer: How Germans Made Lagers 'King' in the Midwest

Lager-drinking German immigrants to Chicago and the Midwest brought with them a lot more than just a love of the beverage. They also redefined the way Americans thought about, produced, and consumed beer. In “From Bier to Beer,” we will embark on a complex journey through immigrant ethnicity, politics, and...

Cost and Registration Information

Early Registration Price (May 7 at 9 am** – May 24 at 4 pm): $85
Regular Registration Price (May 24 at 4 pm – first day of class): $93.5

** Registration opens online at 9 am. Phone registration will be accepted starting at 10 am.

Members, seniors, and students get a 10% discount.

Register Online

Seminar Description

Lager-drinking German immigrants to Chicago and the Midwest brought with them a lot more than just a love of the beverage. They also redefined the way Americans thought about, produced, and consumed beer. In “From Bier to Beer,” we will embark on a complex journey through immigrant ethnicity, politics, and industry to trace the rise of lager beer in America, while also exploring how the increasing popularity of lager helped lead to the emergence of modern craft beer culture.

This seminar is part of the Beer History + Culture Project, a two-year national collaboration dedicated to highlighting, preserving, and celebrating beer history and culture as well as building support for the Chicago Brewseum. The Newberry Library is a proud partner of this effort.

One session. E – $85, L – $93.5

Brian Alberts is a historian specializing in German immigration and American brewing during the 19th century.
Liz Garibay is a historian and director of the Chicago Brewseum. She explores both world and Chicago history through the lens of alcohol.

Materials List

Required:

  • A selection of shorter materials distributed by the instructor.

First Reading (recommended - not required):

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about our registration procedures.