OUR MISSION is to advance scholarly research of colonial-era distillation while offering visitors immersive and educational experiences surrounding the practice, use, and origins of distillation from the American Colonial to Revolutionary era (1584-1797). Our focus reaches beyond spirits to all parts of distillation to include science, medicine, perfume, and also extends to fermented drinks like beer, wine, and mead.
There has been a serious oversight in scholarship when it comes to the field of colonial distillation, which is surprising given that countless European settlers survived on either fermented or distilled drinks in the Americas. We seek to understand this vibrant area of history, paying close attention to the stories of marginalized communities in order to shed light on the experiences of all people in the realm of distillation through online exhibitions and in-person experiences.
For inquiries, contact our curator Clanci Jo Conover by calling (757) 707-0326 or emailing info@spiritsmuseum.org.
2014Eight Shires Coloniale Distillery is Established in Williamsburg, VirginiaEight Shires Coloniale Distillery was opened in 2014 by Dr. Bill Dodson with the purpose of recreating and serving colonial-era spirits, bolstering the vibrant offerings of historic Williamsburg. ​All of their spirits are hand-crafted using historic ​recipes and ingredients from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- SPIRITS Foundation is Formed and Awarded 501c3 Status2017
After years researching colonial-era distillation for Eight Shires, Dr. Dodson realized a dedicated foundation was necessary in order to properly document and share these historical findings. Thus, SPIRITS Foundation was created and quickly awarded 501c3 status. This allowed for a greater focus on the historic side of distillation, and provided a route for scholarship in a field that has been severely under-researched.Â
2023SPIRITS Museum is Launched Virtually with the Exhibition "Birth of an Industry: Distilling Spirits in Early Colonial America"SPIRITS Museum is the foundation's most ambitious project to date, bringing years of research together for public access and removing geographical barriers by embracing a virtual platform. Our online programming allows us to curate targeted exhibitions that hone in on specific areas of distillation from the early colonial to Revolutionary periods in America. Following the Revolutionary War to the present, there has been a considerable amount of research on distillation sciences, but the period prior is in need of a much closer look - that is where we come in.
-
- Nicholas Dodson, Operations Manager
-
- Dr. Bill Dodson, Founder and Lead Historian
-
- Clanci Jo Conover, Curator
-
- Chuck Thompson, Assistant Historian
-
- Silvestre Diaz, Business Officer
Get in touch by emailing info@spiritsmuseum.org or filling out the form below.