Author Bob Crutchfield to Discuss Kansas Beer: A Heady History

Kansas City (MO)…On Thursday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m., the National Archives will host author Bob Cruchfield who will discuss his book Kansas Beer: A Heady History. This program will take place at the National Archives, 400 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO.

Prohibition came early to Kansas in 1881, driving more than 125 breweries out of business or underground. Refusing to even vote on the 1933 national repeal, the state remained dry until 1948, with liquor by the drink finally being approved in 1987. Lawrence's Chuck Magerl worked with the legislature to pen new laws allowing something (little known at the time) called a "microbrewery." Magerl started the state's first brewery in over a century, appropriately named Free State Brewing Company. John Dean of Topeka's Blind Tiger Brewery counts more awards than any other brewer in the state, including Champion Brewer at the World Beer Cup in 2014. Props & Hops Brewing, in tiny Sylvan Grove, is owned and operated by an enterprising pilot who also owns and operates a crop-dusting business on the weekdays. Crutchfield will share these stories and more as he tells the heady history of Kansas beer.

To make a reservation for this free program call 816-268-8010 or email. Requests for ADA accommodations must be received five business days in advance. Copies of Kansas Beer will be available for purchase and signing.

About the Author

Bob Crutchfield was raised in Coffeyville, Kansas, at a time when 3.2 beer was all one could buy. While attending Kansas State University he perfected his beer consumption and earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. His career was spent with Motorola before branching out to form his own company which he recently sold which has given him more free time to enjoy beer and travel.

The National Archives at Kansas City is home to historical records dating from the 1820s to the 1990s created or received by Federal agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, call 816-268-8000 or visit www.archives.gov/kansas-city/.   

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LPM/LE – KC 20-02