Uncorking the Past: Ancient Ales, Wines, and Extreme Beverages - Expired Event

Location: Reynolds Lecture Hall

With: Dr. Patrick E. McGovern is the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia, where he is also an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology. Over the past two decades, he has pioneered the exciting interdisciplinary field of Biomolecular Archaeology, which is yielding new chapters concerning our human ancestry, medical practice, and ancient cuisines and beverages.

Open To: Must be 21 and up to register
Ages: 21 and older

Cost: $50 (VMFA members $35; free to Friends of Ancient Art)

Description: Following a tantalizing trail of archaeological and chemical clues around the world and through the millennia, Dr. Patrick McGovern tells the compelling story of humanity's ingenious, intoxicating quest for the perfect drink. Whether it be mind-altering or medicinal, a religious symbol, social lubricant, or artistic inspiration, fermented beverages have not only been a profound force in history, but they may be fundamental to the human condition itself.

A tasting of a selection of beers from Dogfish Head Brewery follows the lecture. In addition, Dr. McGovern will be available to sign his book: Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer, and Other Alcoholic Beverages (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2009).

CancellationsTickets are nonrefundable unless VMFA cancels a class. Funded in part by Friends of Ancient Art