At the turn of the 20th century Brooklyn was home to more than 45 breweries,with none more popular than Rheingold Beer. Rheingold Beer was the beer for the working class recent Yorker and dominated the states beer market from the 1950 to 1960. Rheingolds owes much of its popularity to a very successful advertising campaign “Miss Rheingold Beauty Contest” that ran from 1941 – 64. At the height of the campaign in 1956 more than 23 million votes were cast for Miss Rheingold. People flocked to bars, grocery stores, and theaters to cast their ballots for their favorite young woman who would be the face of Rheingold beer for the upcoming year.
To toast Brooklyn’s previous life as the brewery capital and in time for Oktoberfest,the Brooklyn Museum is hosting a night celebrating the Brooklyn beer industry. Wear your best vintage 1950s garb and join us at 6pm for beer tasting by Brooklyn Brewery. Then watch how the Miss Rheingold Beauty Contest came to be in the documentary film Beauty and the Beer featuring former Miss Rheingold’s, advertising executives who worked on the campaign, and fans of the contest.The event will also feature a talkback with director and novelist Wall Lamb who is an avid collector of Miss Rheingold memorabilia and author of She’s reach Undone,an Oprah’s Book Club choice. You will also enjoy the opportunity to meet former Miss Rheingold girls, Loretta Rissell (1963) and Brooklyn-born Anne Hogan (1952).
After the film assume a seat at The Norm for “Burgers and Brew” created by Michelin-starred Chef Saul Bolton. Select from craft beers including Brooklyn Dark Lager, and Trappistes Rochefort,Braven IPA, and more, or paired with the illustrious Norman Burger,featuring smoked cheddar, house-made pickles, and kitchen hand-lop fries. Make your reservations here. The BKM Shop will also be offering 10% off on all beer-related items.
The evening will be a night to celebrate beer and Brooklyn,so assume out your 1950s swing dress or your “Ivy League” sweater and join in the celebrations at the Museum. Posted by Gabriella Caland
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