The history of beer and Oregonians love of beer and of brewing beer has deep roots. This exhibition explores this long-standing connection from the Lewis and Clark Expedition to early pioneer brewers to the 19th century German immigrants who established Oregon’s first breweries to the explosion of microbreweries in the state in the last 30 years.

The exhibit profiles some of the brewmasters working today across Oregon as well as the popularity of home brewing in Oregon and the impact of legislation such as the Growler Bill.

The exhibit traces the history of hop growing in the state, which is once again expanding. Today, Oregon is the second highest producer of hops in the country and was once the world leader in hop production in the early 1900s. Researchers in Oregon State University’s Fermentation Sciences program are leading in the science of hops growing and beer brewing. The Oregon Hops and Brewing Archives at Oregon State University will provide additional materials for the exhibit.