For part of the 19th century, New York State was the chief producer worldwide of hops. From how pioneer to immigrant, everyone enjoyed beer as a healthier alternative to often polluted well water. Learn how hops were grown, and beer was made in the time of our ancestors, and where our early breweries and malt houses were located.

Jane Oakes has been involved with history education for over forty years, beginning with volunteer work as a teen at the Valentown Museum in Victor. She taught classes at the Genesee Country Village & Museum and was a Museum Studies and Local history teacher-consultant for the regional BOCES Gifted and Talented programs. She previously entertained in October 2019 with her program on Lost Wineries of the Genese Country.