(Press Release)

RALEIGH, N.C.—The craft beer industry is booming in North Carolina, and the recently completed documentary “Brewconomy” highlights how the industry is supporting local farm-to-fork efforts, encouraging agricultural innovation and strengthening community ties. Come to a free screening of “Brewconomy” Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Afterward, stay for a discussion moderated by Adam Harold, director of Beer Programs at All About Beer Magazine.

The panel will include:

● Camden Watts, filmmaker and director of “Brewconomy”;

● Erik Myers, president of the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild and founder and brewmaster of Mystery Brewing Company in Hillsborough;

● Dan Gridley, owner of Farm Boy Farms in Pittsboro; and

● Rep. Pricey Harrison of Guilford County, a supporter of the state’s craft beer industry since elected to office in 2004.

The program is sponsored by the N.C. Museum of History Associates.  A beer tasting will start at 5 p.m. as part of First Fridays at the Museum. While supplies last, try samples from a few North Carolina craft brewers, some of whom are featured in “Brewconomy.” Farm Boy Farms will bring some of its hops, grains and malts for you to see, smell and touch. Farm Boy Farms produces these goods for Tar Heel craft brewers. The beer tasting is organized with assistance from the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild. During First Fridays at the Museum, you also can visit the exhibits Hey America! and The Story of North Carolina. The Museum Shop and exhibits will be open until 9 p.m.

About “Brewconomy”

In “Brewconomy” discover how the state’s craft brewers are typically small, independent businesses with a strong sense of community. The industry takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally and supporting farms and farmers. The industry creates jobs, as well as great beer.

“This story is so much bigger than beer,” says Watts. “It’s about the people that support their communities with dedication and selflessness. It’s about my home state and why people want to live here. And it’s about the farm-to-table movement that fosters sustainable, environmentally-friendly business practices that help preserve our natural resources.”

Come learn more about North Carolina’s craft beer industry and enjoy activities for First Fridays at the Museum on Nov. 6.

For information about the N.C. Museum of History, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.

About the N.C. Museum of History

The N.C. Museum of History is located at 5 E. Edenton Street in downtown Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The museum collects and preserves artifacts of North Carolina history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Each year more than 300,000 people visit the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C.  Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call 919-807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.