Beer Historian, Judith Downie, Talks Future Goals for Brewchive

Launched almost 2 years ago, CSUSM special collections library, Brewchive, is gaining some serious momentum.

Brewchive's current six collections, including a featured Greg Koch of Stone Brewing collection, are only the beginning. I spoke with CSUSM Special Collections and History Librarian, Judith Downie, on what we can look forward to from Brewchive.

What to expect from Brewchive

Downie is always looking for new and creative ways to expand Brewchive. For starters, we can expect to see future collections featuring Green Flash Brewing and Pizza Port Brewing. Other inspiring collections will focus on women in the brewing industry, specifically on those that travel into Mexico to brew, among others.

It sounds interesting, right? But wait, there's more!

In a recent 2018 article for American Libraries Magazine, Downie shared her dreams of regional and national collaborations and those dreams are coming to light. Having arranged a partnership with the Museum of Beer in San Diego opening in spring/summer 2020, Brewchive will loan some of their historical pieces of the San Diego craft brewing industry to be put on display.

When asked where she saw Brewchive in the next 10 years, Downie had an array of possibilities, including an exhibition space within the CSUSM library. Her passion as CSUSM's "beer historian" has also made future funding and donations to Brewchive a real possibility.

"The San Diego brew community is positive, collaborative, and supportive of each other" - Judith Downie.

Of course, there would be no Brewchive without the help of the many breweries and brewers in San Diego County. Several members of the brewing community have contributed to Brewchive's cause of keeping our local history of craft brewing alive, and it's only growing. With the rise of the craft beer industry in San Diego, a stronger sense of community has also emerged. We're excited to see what the future holds for Brewchive and for San Diego.

Cheers!