Beer and brewing have long been a part of Maryland history. Starting when the Ark and Dove brought the first colonists over with provisions of beer, to Garrett Van Sweringen starting one of the first breweries in the colony, beer has played an important role at St. Mary’s. It is only fitting Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation hosts an annual beer festival! Each June during the one-day festival, Historic St. Mary’s City State House grounds are filled with music from local bands, beer making demonstrations, kids activities, Maryland microbrews, craft vendors, and a variety of food trucks. All proceeds from BeerFest will help further education and research at the museum.