Our History
In 1998, a group of brewing history enthusiasts attempted to form a brewing museum…
For a number of reasons, the group was not able to reach an agreement as to where or what the objective of the museum should be and disbanded.
In October of 1999, Gary Luther, Roger Briess and Karl Strauss held a meeting during a Master Brewers Association convention in Keystone, CO. The triumvirate discussed the need to have a Museum and agreed to attempt to get the original group together once again and solidify the museum organization and objectives. Roger Briess provided a listing of the original members of the ’98 committee. Gary Luther contacted each of those persons and asked they again assist in formation of the organization.
This is an excerpt from the MBB’s first report at the initial Annual Membership meeting. Gary Luther writes:
Last year at approximately this time, I was preparing to relinquish my position as Past President of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. My good friends, Roger Briess and Karl Strauss were feverishly planning to reinitiate foundation of a museum which would showcase all the facets of beer and brewing. I had also just retired from Miller Brewing Company and must have appeared to have a significant amount of time on my hands. So, when approached by my associates, I agreed to become active in the group and ask for volunteers.
The group met for the first time on August 31, 2000 at the Lake Front Brewery, Milwaukee. There were eight persons present. The major issue addressed was how to reactivate an all-encompassing historical group pursuing the preservation of all areas of beer and brewing.
On September 19th the group met once again and committed to founding the Museum for Beer and Brewing. The group agreed the goal of the museum would be to encompass beer production and culture, from production to consumption—from grain to glass.
The Museum requested affiliation with the Wisconsin State Historical Society in late 2000 and was accepted on March 14, 2001.
Mission And Vision Statements
Our mission is to preserve and display the proud history of beer and brewing throughout the world and particularly in North America.
The Museum of Beer and Brewing is a premier museum that aims to…
present the evolution of beer and brewing
offer an interactive experience to visitors
provide educational resources
recognize regional roles in brewing history
collaborate with partners to further this mission
Cheers!