‘Breweries of Staten Island: History of Early America’s Best Lager’ Webinar

Did you know that for nearly a century, beer production was one of the most prominent industries on Staten Island? Crack open a cold one and get ready to dive into the rise, fall, and resurgence of Staten Island’s beer industry — Prost!

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the incredible history of Staten Island’s beer barons and breweries of yesteryears, and uncover how they transformed the neighborhoods of Stapleton, Clifton, and Castleton Corners into commercial and industrial hubs.

Led by NYC Tour Guide and Staten Island resident Claude Toback, our digital showcase of Staten Island’s beer industry will include:

• Why hundreds of German immigrants from beer brewing families flocked to Staten Island in the early 19th century
• The untold stories of several long-forgotten beer barons, including George Bechtel (who sheltered Islanders of color during the 1863 draft riots), Monroe Eckstein (who supported improvements in the mid-Island’s transportation system) and the Horrmann Family (who are credited with helping to bring Wagner College to the Island)
• The ill-effects of prohibition and how it brought the flourishing breweries of the day to a near standstill — one from which they never fully recovered
• Staten Island’s revitalized beer industry beginning with the opening of Flagship Brewing Company in 2013

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Claude — any and all questions about Staten Island’s beer industry are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Claudia (Claude) Toback

Claude hails from Brooklyn and is proud of her home borough of more than 50 years. As a former NYC public school science educator who adopted STEM before it was popularized, she has also had a fascination with the Island’s history and its historic homes. When she first moved to the Island in 1968, Stapleton was the center of Claude’s shopping experiences. She remembers the vitality of the neighborhood and the presence of its beer industry past. But little or nothing remains today and that is why she wants to tell this story.