Yesterday I came across the website for a new exhibit at the National Archives, “Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History.” This exhibit seems to focus on American culture during Prohibition (speak-easys and home brew) but I was glad to see they included a section on medicinal alcohol as well.
I remembered the research I did for an exhibit on medicinal alcohol. I love the many dimensions of this topic including social reform movements, government power, and social traditions. In this graph of alcohol use throughout American history, it was particularly interesting to note the increases and decreases in consumption over time, especially for beer.
The National Archives exhibit looks interesting and they have scheduled a few events with local bars during the exhibit.
Melnick Medical Museum 