Recently, The Smithsonian National Museum of American History announced its search to hire a beer historian/scholar for a 3-year career opportunity. To be clear up front, the position is not a beer tasting opportunity; the Smithsonian is looking for someone to go beyond a glass of beer into the connections of beer and American history. Here are some details from the National Museum of American History:
“The position will go to a trained historian, not a seasoned beer taster: The successful candidate will have an advanced degree in history, American studies, or a related field, as well as evidence of scholarly research. The ideal candidate should know the historiography of brewing and be comfortable designing a research plan, using material and archival sources, organizing and conducting oral histories, writing for both scholarly and popular audiences, and speaking to the media.”
“We hope the historian will document technological and business innovations in brewing, advertising history, and the role of beer in consumer culture and community life. While we love experiencing history firsthand, this position is not about drinking on the job — it’s about going beyond the glass.”
As a reminder, the job is in Washington, D.C., just in case you were unaware of where the Smithsonian is located. The job is focused on educating the American public about the craft beer industry and its American growth. The brewing initiative of the museum is supported by the Brewer’s Association of Boulder, Colorado. That means the association is providing all of the financial support for the new historian at the Smithsonian.
The beer historian will make roughly $64,000 salary plus benefits. This individual will be receiving pay for traveling and conducting field research regarding American brewing history. Although it isn’t implicit, I’m sure the position will require some drinking. You know, for science and stuff.
“Brewing has a long and deep connection to our country’s history, and the museum’s collections explore the history of beer from the late 19th to early 20th centuries,” said John Gray, the director of the museum.
Now if you consider yourself a possibility for the position or have any other details regarding the position and would like to tell us know, immediately let us know your thoughts by tagging us on Twitter and Instagram @BeerTv_LLc and use the hashtag #CraftNotCrap. Like us on Facebook for updates on our Cold Hard Facts website articles, events, etc Facebook.com/Beertv. As always thanks so much for reading.
“If God had intended us to drink beer, He would have given us stomachs.” — David Daye
Photo credits: www.americanart.si.edu, www.nydailynews.com, www.shminhe.com
