‘Beyond Beer: Beverages of the Bluff’ Program Saturday

Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites will host a special program, “Beyond Beer: Beverages of the Bluff,” on Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will learn about and sample a variety of non-alcoholic beverages that were popular among German-Texan families in the late 19th century, particularly at community gatherings on the Bluff. The program will also serve as a volunteer informational meeting where community members can discover new volunteer opportunities.

“While Heinrich Kreische was a renowned brewer, local families and community members enjoyed much more than just beer at events on the Bluff,” says Assistant Sites Manager Gavin Miculka. Archival and archeological evidence points to the popularity of homemade lemonade and imported German mineral water. These beverages complemented the seemingly endless supply of beer enjoyed at events like Schuetzenfests and other large gatherings on the Bluff. Historical newspapers and cookbooks make references to iced tea, barley water, and vinegared fruit syrups which would have been enjoyed at German-Texan family tables and picnics. Each of these drinks will be available for sampling at the historic Kreische House during Saturday’s program. Saturday’s program will also double as a volunteer recruitment initiative for the sites. “This multi-sensory historic beverages program is a prime example of the types of activities in which volunteers can get involved,” says Miculka. The sites have significantly grown their volunteer program over the last few years and recently celebrated the contribution of over 2,000 volunteer hours between June 2022 and May 2023. Sites staff look forward to building upon this momentum. While enjoying refreshing beverages on Saturday, potential volunteers can hear about a variety of upcoming opportunities including guided tours, living history activities, school programs, special events, archival research, historical collections care, facilities maintenance, and more. “Whether you enjoy working behind-the-scenes or directly with the public, there’s something for everyone here,” emphasizes Miculka.

Participation in “Beyond Beer: Beverages of the Bluff” is included in sites admission: $4 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and free for Friends members and children under 6. On Saturday, admission will be waived for anyone who completes a volunteer interest form during check in at the sites’ visitors center. For more information, call (979) 968-5658.