San Diego is noted as the craft brewing capital of the United States, with over 125 licensed brewers.
More than a third of these breweries are in North County and given California State University, San Marcos‘ close proximity to them, the school decided that it made sense to document the region’s craft brew history.
CSUSM’s University Library is set to publicly launch “Brewchive,” a comprehensive archive of San Diego’s brewing story. The launch will take place Friday, Aug. 18., at the university’s Forum Plaza as part of the Stone Brewing’s 21st Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival.
“They put their heart and soul into this industry and we want to make sure that history is preserved and celebrated,” CSUSM Library Dean Dr. Jennifer Fabbi said of the local brewers. “This is a living history. I am excited about what this collection will become over the next 50 years.”
The University Library has been collecting and digitizing historical documents and special pieces, according to Fabbi. While the collection will focus on the evolution of San Diego’s “New Brew Wave,” circa 1987-present, the archive will also feature signature collections, like the history of women in San Diego’s craft brew industry.
According to Fabbi, the library wants to expand Brewchive and is welcoming more data and documents from the region’s brewers, including: photos, videos, marketing materials, coasters, beer lists, menus, recipes, brewing logs, brewing manifestos, unique or rare trade periodicals, and interviews.
The Brewchive is just one of the beer initiatives at CSUSM. In spring 2018, the university will begin offering a new certificate program in “EngiBeering” that explores the science and business of craft brewing. The College of Business Administration recently published its semi-annual Craft Brewers Index, a survey that gauges local brewer confidence in the industry. The report revealed that brewers continue to display optimism in their businesses.
–Staff