Hike through history as we take a trail to the taps!
Join the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Justina Barrett and FPC's Public Programs Coordinator John Sigmund for a history of brewing and beer gardens on a hiking tour of East Fairmount Park. Naturally, we'll end the hike at a modern day park beer garden - Parks on Tap at the Fairmount Water Works!
As the name of the Brewerytown neighborhood that borders East Park indicates, Philadelphia was a beer brewing town. In fact, in the late 19 century, with over 30 breweries, we were the brewing capital of America! Before the city created the park, the banks of the Schuylkill River were valuable to emerging breweries for the harvesting and storage of ice, and the cold storage of lager beer in underground vaults. Also, after acquiring several historic houses with the establishment of Fairmount Park, the city sought ways to re-adapt them and the properties were leased as beer gardens enjoyed by a growing German population. The hike will discuss this and many other intoxicating aspects of beer history in Fairmount Park.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a loop hike. It’s a one way hike beginning at Mount Pleasant Mansion and ending at the Fairmount Waterworks. We strongly suggest using Uber or Lyft to arrive at the starting point so you do not have to return for your vehicle / bike.
- Starting Location: Mount Pleasant Mansion 3800 Mt Pleasant Dr. Philadelphia, PA 19121
- Ending location: Fairmount Water Works 640 Waterworks Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130
TICKET PRICES: Pay what you can - $15, $20, or $25
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: If Philadelphia’s parks make a difference in your life – consider becoming a member of Fairmount Park Conservancy and help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come. PLUS members register first for events and enjoy discounts on park experiences including Treetop Quest, Shofuso and more! KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Please dress according to weather conditions.
- Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking
- Bring water and a snack
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen
-There are nearby bathrooms (port-a-potties)
- Appropriate for adults ages 21+ ONLY
PARKING: there is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! However, we strongly recommend arriving with Uber, Lyft, Indego Bike Share, or public transportation. Take SEPTA's Route 32
- At 33rd St & Oxford St there's an Indego dock and bus stop. From there, it's a 10 min. walk into the park along Reservoir Drive.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: By registering for this event you are agreeing to follow ALL of these protocols:
-This event has limited capacity. Please only register if you fully intend to attend and let us know if you need to cancel ASAP.
-Participants must maintain 6 feet of distance from one another during the event.
-Please bring a mask. We encourage you to wear it if you're in proximity to others.
-If you or anyone in your household are exhibiting COVID-19 systems, please stay home.
POSTPONEMENT / CANCELLATION POLICY: This event will take place in light rain. In the event of heavy rain or other severe conditions, the event will be cancelled and attendees are eligible for a full refund.
GUIDE BIOS:
Justina Barrett is the Interim Head of Public Programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Justina worked as Site Manager for Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove, two historic homes in Fairmount Park administered by the museum. She also leads programs in the American galleries as Museum Educator for American Art. Working with museum curators, preservation professionals, and other partner organizations, she advocates for public access to and interest in local historic sites. Justina's master's degree in early American material culture from the Winterthur Program at the University of Delaware complements well her interest and love of sharing Philadelphia with visitors.
John Sigmund is the Public Programs Coordinator with the Fairmount Park Conservancy, drawing upon his experience as a community organizer, teaching artist, history lover, and urban park enthusiast. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he spent a decade living in Austin, San Antonio, and New York City, but made a happy homecoming to go back to school at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. John has the proud distinction of actually living in Fairmount Park– he and his partner are resident caretakers and tour guides at Woodford Mansion, a National Historic Landmark (built 1756).