Lehigh Valley museums and breweries get in on ‘The Rivalry’ fun with Lehigh/Lafayette wager
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Rivalry between Lehigh University and Lafayette College is a historic one, dating back to their first football meet in 1884. Now in its 155th edition, the matchup is one of the most played rivalry series in college football. Fitting for a historic occasion, two Lehigh Valley museums are joining in on this year’s fun. The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) in Bethlehem and the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society’s (NCHGS) Sigal Museum in Easton are throwing down a wager with each other that will have the loser sporting the opposing museum’s apparel for a weekend and delivering a shipment of beer or mead from their respective city.
“The idea came from one of our staff members, who suggested a friendly bet with our friends in Easton,” said Glenn Koehler, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NMIH. “We all collaborate in various ways, through exhibits, loans, and Northampton County’s Passport to History program, so we thought this would be a great way to raise awareness for both of our causes. “
If Lehigh wins, staff and volunteers at the Sigal Museum will sport shirts from NMIH on Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st, and if Lafayette wins the staff and volunteer corps at NMIH will do the same. To sweeten the deal, two members of the Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild are pitching in with some of their wares for the winning museum’s crew to enjoy during the holidays. The Colony Meadery, based in Allentown with a taproom in South Bethlehem and co-owned by Greg Heller-Labelle, a Lehigh ’10 MBA graduate, will provide mead for the Sigal museum if Lafayette is the victor. Two Rivers Brewing Company based in Easton, and co-owned by Brad Nelson, a Lehigh University ’93 graduate, will be providing the brew for NMIH if Lehigh proves triumphant.
“NMIH is the baby on the block. We’ve been here for over 100 years and we are prepared to show this county what a winner looks like. Stay tuned to our Facebook page to watch this new Rivalry unfold” said Megan van Ravenswaay, Director of Development at NCHGS. Glenn Koehler from NMIH remarked, “Bethlehem is the Christmas City and Bethlehem Steel built this country. We’ve always been a powerhouse and will have no problem showing up Easton.”
About the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society (NCHGS)
NCHGS works to share the stories of Northampton County’s past to encourage personal reflection, community dialogue, and an understanding of history’s impact on our lives. The museum proudly provides interactive exhibits, self-guided and docent-led tours, children’s programs, and activities at the 1753 Bachmann Publick House, the 1833 Mixsell-Illick House, the 1807 Jacob Nicholas House, Kressler Garden, the Jane S. Moyer Library, Special Collections and Archives, and the Sigal Museum. For more information visit https://sigalmuseum.org.
About the National Museum of Industrial History
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.
About the Colony Meadery
The Colony Meadery’s mission is to produce the boldest and most innovative meads in the world. We use experimental batches, modern methodology, and precise control of fermentation to create meads that are distinct and varied. We believe in uncompromising quality, flavor and craftsmanship. We are members of both the Brewers Association and the American Mead Makers Association. For more information visit thecolonymeadery.com
About Two Rivers Brewing Company
Located in the historic building once known as the Mt. Vernon Hotel, Two Rivers Brewing Company is owned and operated by partners Judy and Brad Nelson and Kathy and Troy Reynard. After opening their doors in 2012 they have become a staple of the Lehigh Valley food and beer scene, garnering accolades for both their cuisine (including a win for Best Burger in the Lehigh Valley) and for their brews (including a gold medal at the World Beer Cup). For more information visit tworiversbrewing.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]