For many, the label “Porkopolis” defines Cincinnati’s early history. Yet, beer had a larger, more lasting impact on the culture, institutions, and identity of a city also known as “Zinzinnati.” The complete brewing history of Cincinnati cannot be told without the inclusion of treasures lingering in family photo albums and dusty attics.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. are joining forces from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, to preserve and celebrate Cincinnati’s brewing and drinking history at a special event at the Christian Moerlein Malt House Tap Room in Over-the-Rhine, 1621 Moore St.
Your personal family stories and collectibles now have the chance to become a valuable part of the Brewing Heritage Trail, a permanent urban walking trail that celebrates the region’s brewing history. Your items may also become part of the Library’s online archive
Participants are invited to bring: Photographs of drinking in bars, neighborhoods, families, celebrations, and brewery plants in Greater Cincinnati; correspondence, especially on company letterhead; receipts and paycheck stubs; architectural drawings and blueprints; labels; posters, pennants; advertisements, especially early 20th century and post-Prohibition items; and other small- to medium-sized memorabilia.
Have a lot of history? Email contactdigitalservices@chpl.org in advance to discuss options. Participants who bring items to digitize will receive up to five free scans of their item, a Brewing Heritage Trail pint glass, and a chance for their images to be part of the Brewing Heritage Trail and the Public Library’s Brewing Heritage digital collection.
The event is free and open to the public. No preregistration required. All items remain the property of the collectors. For more details, contact the Library at 513-369-6905 or genealogyandlocalhistory@chpl.org.
About the Brewery District CURC
The Brewery District CURC is a nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of Cincinnati’s Brewery District and the preservation and promotion of its brewing history. Next Spring, with the help of critical partners, the Brewery District CURC will be installing the first segments of the Brewing Heritage Trail, an approximately 2.5-mile urban walking trail through downtown and Over-the-Rhine. The trail will be combining timeless permanent markers with evolving digital and virtual reality components to create an internationally unprecedented experience.
