A reliable drinking source, liquid sustenance and promoter of sociability, beer and ale played an important role in colonial New England society. Archaeologists know this through the thousand of artifacts related to ale and tavern culture that litter our sites. What was the difference between a beer and an ale? Why did the Mayflower end its voyage when it ran out of beer? Why would anyone brew ale with molasses, sassafras and wormwood? Join us as we answer these questions and explore history on tap.

On Saturday, September 14, the Tate House Museum and Mast Landing Brewing Co in Westbrook present an afternoon of education and entertainment surrounding beer in the 18th and 19th century. The event starts with a beer centered tour of the Tate House Museum. Follow that up with a tasting of 4 beers at Mast Landing Brewing Company and a talk by Dr. Emerson "Tad" Baker, Professor of History, Salem State University.

The event begins at 3 PM with a tour of the Tate House Museum, followed by the brewery portion of the program beginning at 4:30. There are 2 types of tickets you can purchase, at 2 different price points.

$35 (or $30 for THM members) Full Event - Museum & Brewery– includes a beer-focused tour of the Tate House, a complimentary THM pint glass & an 18th century beer recipe for you to try at home. Immediately afterward, at Mast Landing Brewing Co., enjoy a tasting of 4 of their delicious brews, an interesting presentation by Dr. Baker.

$25 Partial Event - Brewery Only - you may purchase a ticket for just the portion of the event which takes place at the brewery (no house tour, no pint glass and no recipe).

This event is a fundraiser for the Tate House Museum in the Historic Stroudwater District of Portland. FMI go to www.tatehouse.org and click on events or call the museum at 774-6177.