Spirits of Independence

About This Event

The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks, AKA PhilaLandmarks, is thrilled to announce the launch of a spirited lecture series coming this fall: Introducing Spirits of Independence, a four-part installment exploring the brews, wines, and spirits that were produced, distributed, and consumed by the people who owned and occupied PhilaLandmarks historic houses: Grumblethorpe, Hill-Physick House, Powel House, and Historic Waynesborough. Tickets (linked below) are available online now for $82/pp per event, or $216 for a bundle ticket to all four events. Must be 21+ to purchase. Each event in the series (held September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 13) will see a selection of experts, including renowned historian and scholar David Hancock, historical booze enthusiast and author Steven Grasse, scholar and author Jordan Smith, Rare Wine Co.’s Mannie Berk and Aaron Nix-Gomez deliver rousing addresses while guests sip complimentary provided beverages (wine, Madeira, porter and rum) made using colonial-minded recipes produced by makers including My Local Brew Works and Rare Wine Co. “Deeply entwined in the history of Philadelphia – and our country – are the drinks that early civilians produced, imported, exported, and consumed,” said Kayla Anthony, Executive Director of The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. “We’re grateful to work with beverage partners who bring that experience to life - as accurately as possible - for our guests to enjoy.” Madeira in Colonial America: Henry Hill, who built the house, was a patriot and a Madeira importer. The vast majority of wine imported into colonies during the revolutionary period was Madeira, and this wine was being drunk in homes and taverns across the colonies. Mannie Berk of the Rare Wine Company and Aaron Nix-Gomez have collaborated for nearly 15 years in unraveling the history of Madeira from its earliest days until the present. Their greatest focus has been on how Madeira was purchased and consumed in America in the 18th and 19th centuries, to understand just how it came to be the most coveted wine in this country. Tasting of Madeira wines included.