OT: Smithsonian wants a beer historian

Submitted by 1VaBlue1 on

I thought this might be right up some MGoUser's alley - the Smithsonian Museum of American History is hiring a brew taster/historian to travel the country for three years.  This guy (or gal) will taste local craft brews and write reports about them.  From the story:

No, you don’t have to document beer from the dawn of time. This position is part of the Smithsonian’s food history initiative. The beer industry was all but extinct after Prohibition. It took years for not only the industry, but American beer consumption to rebound to what it was prior to 1919. For this position, the candidate will focus the American brewing industry from the 1960’s forward.

Sadly, its not just taste testing.  The Smithsonian being a museum, and all, they will want you to actually provide museum quality content, I suppose...  But its a 3-yr gig at ~$60K/yr, maybe some newly minted PhD could use a job?  Here's the job app...

PopeLando

July 27th, 2016 at 9:31 AM ^

As a guy with a history degree, let me assure you that this would be an awesome gig. But a key part of the job is getting people to open up to you about specific and proprietary topics.

Sure, it's easy to get people to talk when you're drinking together, but I guarantee that this researcher will hear more stories about the brewer's health problems or opinions about the government than they hear about beer. Have to be able to direct the conversation. They need Chris Hansen.

Hemlock Philosopher

July 27th, 2016 at 10:07 AM ^

Not only that, but you need to be incredibly versed in Beer and beer history. I am currently studying for the BJCP Beer Judge Certification and it's quite difficult. For perspective, I passed the Board of Pharmacy law exams in Michigan, VIrginia and Florida and this exam is on that level. They need a person with the skills you mentioned that's also a nationally-recognized beer judge. 

Brian Griese

July 27th, 2016 at 8:43 AM ^

American business, brewing, food, cultural, or similar specialization within history are encouraged to apply."

The college I went to didn't offer any of those majors :(

bacon

July 27th, 2016 at 8:52 AM ^

For a lot less they could get some college kids a van and a map and get this done. Plus they could film it and make a reality tv show about it. They'd probably make money.

bacon1431

July 27th, 2016 at 8:55 AM ^

From the time of the first brew, mankind has liked beer. The world consumes alot of beer because they like it. The US once tried to ban beer. But it didn't work because the people liked beer. People still like beer. People will like beer in the future too. 

Easy gig. 

julesh

July 27th, 2016 at 9:33 AM ^

Well if you are traveling the whole time you are probably getting a per diem, so you don't have to worry about buying food for three years. Plus most hotels have gyms, so you can save on gym membership. You won't need your car anymore, since your rentals will be paid for. And really, you can move all your stuff into a cheap storage unit and give up your apartment and just couch surf when you are back at home.

goblueram

July 27th, 2016 at 9:27 AM ^

Sounds awesome.  On a related note, I have been home brewing quite a bit lately, and have been meaning to start a thread in case others are into the hobby.  Maybe I'll get a thread or two in before OT season ends.

Trump

July 27th, 2016 at 10:34 AM ^

I would love to do this. However, I would only be able to write "this one tastes good", "this one is nasty" and "meh".




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