WILLIAMSBURG — Early Americans settled in Jamestown where they experienced many ‘firsts’ on these shores – including distilling spirits for medicinal purposes, perfumes and of course, drink.
SPIRITS Museum, started by the founders of 8 Shires Distillery, has been gathering research that provides insights into the history, practice, use and origins of the strong distilled alcoholic liquor – spirits – from the American Colonial to Revolutionary era (1584-1797).
The virtual museum is free to access and some items from the collection are available to view in person at 8 Shires Distillery in Williamsburg Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The current virtual exhibition ‘America’s First Distillers and The James River‘ explores how archaeology has given insight into colonial life along the James, taking a special look at the lives lost in creating these riverside settlements where America’s First Distillers practiced.
“A lot of our information came from archeological research and primary text. For example, Martin’s Hundred and Jordan’s Point, – those were both archaeological studies where I was able to look at the findings. Martin’s Hundred had the first ever still produced in America whereas Jordans Point had a wine fermenting area and wine bin as well as some bottles that dated to the period so, we can know from those archaeological excavations that distilling and fermenting was being done at these (Virginia) plantations,” stated Clanci Jo Conover, curator for SPIRITS Museum.
The SPIRITS Museum will host a virtual lecture titled “James River Ghosts” on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 5:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. where Conover and guest speaker Brendan Burke, VA DHR underwater archaeologist, will explore how archaeology has given us insight into colonial life along the James. Taking a special look at the lives lost in creating these riverside settlements where America’s First Distillers practiced.
“We have done a lot of work on this show and we really love this show – to connect the past with the present. There are so many distilleries that are still operating near the James or on the James so, it is like they are the forefathers to the people we know today,” said Conover.
The virtual event is free. Conover asks guests to RSVP via this form to receive the link to join.
