March 30, 2007 — January 4, 2009
Free Admission

Beer brewing in St. Louis is nearly as old as the city itself.  There is documented evidence that John Coons was brewing here in 1809 when St. Louis was only a village of about a thousand people.  As our city grew, the brewing industry grew with it.  Historians estimate that at one time during the mid-19th century St. Louis boasted 40-50 breweries.  Many St. Louisans have heard the stories of Lemp, Falstaff and Griesedieck—but St. Vrain Brewery, Schnorr-Kolkschneider Brewing Company and Brinckwirth-Nolker Brewing Company may be less familiar.

From Kettle to Keg: Brewing in St. Louis, 1809-1909, a new gallery opening at the Missouri History Museum on March 30, explores how beer and brewing have helped define our region’s identity as a brewing mecca.  Visitors will get a taste of how the history of beer in St. Louis is linked with stories of industry, inventions and immigration.

Located in the Mallinckrodt Gallery, From Kettle to Keg: Brewing in St. Louis, 1809-1909  will feature 150 artifacts, including beer trays, bottles, steins, advertisements, signage and historic photographs. Artifacts will represent legendary brewing behemoth Anheuser-Busch, as well as now-shuttered breweries from St. Louis’ early days.

The exhibition is coordinated and planned with the Saint Louis Brewers Heritage Festival.