Huzzah! Drinking and the American Revolution 

February 2, 2024

Have you ever wondered what folks put in those punch bowls and tankards back in the 18th century and what role alcohol played in Colonial America? 

Quench your curiosity during a free winter lecture series at the Concord Free Public Library.  

February 25: “Huzzah! Drinking with John Hancock during the American Revolution.” 

Learn more about the role of alcohol in the culture and politics of Colonial America in a free lecture with Brook Barbier, author of 2023’s “King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father.”  

March 24: “Radical Spirits: The Material Culture of Drinking at Minute Man National Historical Park.” Punch bowls, and tankards, and bottles, oh my! Join Minute Man National Historical Park Museum Curator Nikki Walsh for a lecture about the material culture related to drinking in the park’s collections. This lecture will focus on 18th-century drinking culture and include aspects of drink in earlier and later periods of history. 

Both lectures will be held at 2-3:30 p.m. at the Concord Free Public Library. 

The annual lecture series is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park and the Concord Free Public Library It’s supported in part by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the state’s Mass Cultural Council. 

For more information, visit the Friends of Minute Man website at  friendsofminuteman.org/events.  

  • Anne O’Connor