Tour of one of the only working 19th-century breweries in the United States. Hear our costumed interpreters talk about harvesting and processing fresh hops. Stop by our historic kitchens to taste 19th-century food with recipes that include ale and learn how families might have used hops medicinally.

Tour Grieve's Brewery
Did you know that GCV&M is one of the only museums in the United States with a working 19th-century brewery? Grieve's Brewery is a reconstruction of a c. 1803 brewery from Geneva, NY, with portions of Rochester's old Enright Brewery (closed in 1907) and an early timber-framed structure from West Bloomfield, NY. Brewing demonstrations rely on gravity during much of the process, with liquids either pumped by hand or ladled into troughs throughout the building. From the pump logs that move water and wort to the dry barrels that hold the malted grain and the wooden mash rakes, everything in the brewery has been crafted by hand—including the 250-gallon copper brew kettle.

Despite the growing number of breweries in New York in the early 1800s, hop culture was slow in taking root. By 1850, however, New York State was a leading producer. Once harvested, hops were stored in a two-story hop house like the one beside the Brewery at GCV&M, which was built in the 1870s. Two furnaces helped dry the hops, and once dried, they were packed in barrels or bales before shipping. Explore the Brewery and the Hop House during our Hop Harvest Festival!

Sample Historic Beers  
Imagine enjoying a refreshing craft beer after touring the Historic Village and looking over the Great Meadow... perfection! There are two beers on tap in our Museum’s historic Freight House Pub, both brewed referencing historical recipes! There’s Stocking Hill Ale, an American Wheat Ale with ginger – it pours a light hazy gold color with wheaty aromas and a bittersweet ginger-y finish.

There’s also the crowd favorite, Fat Ox Ale: an American-style brown ale with notes of dark chocolate and coffee. Both beers are brewed by Rohrbach Brewing Co. Try both beers when you visit for Hop Harvest, and take home a crowler or growler to enjoy later!

Explore Historical Uses of Beer and Hops
As you meander through the Historic Village during our Hop Harvest Festival, you'll explore all sorts of fascinating history related to beer and brewing. Learn how hops were used to dye fibers and fabrics, savor the aromas of beer bread baking in our Historic Kitchens, explore the medicinal uses for hops, purchase savory treats in the Confectionery to take home with you, and so much more!

Attend a Gallery Talk: "Ducks, Hunting, & Beer: Genesee Brew House & Ducks Unlimited"
Come to the John L. Wehle Gallery for a look at the connection between Genesee Brewing Company, Ducks Unlimited, and waterfowl conservation. How did Genesee Beer become known as “the great outdoors in a glass?” Hosted by curator Brandon Brooks.

Jam out with "The Pearlz Band"!

Enjoy traditional German alphorn music!

"Big Logic & The Truth Serum" will be rockin' in the beer garden!

Date: September 10, 2022

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY 14511

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