The Museum of the American Cocktail, according to the mission statement on their website, is a nonprofit organization that celebrates this true American cultural icon.

 

“Founded by Dale DeGroff, and several of the world’s most passionate cocktail authorities and historians, the Museum of the American Cocktail seeks to advance the profession and increase consumer knowledge of mixology while stressing the importance of responsible drinking. Our mission is to create a self-sustaining museum and tourist attraction that celebrates and preserves a rich aspect of American culture, while providing educational resources for professionals and the public in the fine art of crafting the cocktail through a series of mixology seminars conducted by the world’s foremost authorities on cocktail history and American cocktails….”

 

A little lofty, but we’re buying it.

 

In fact, we’re contemplating a membership — yes, membership. For about $75 a year, you can contribute, too. Membership levels go up to $20,000.

 

Can’t afford to join? The Museum also accepts:

 

Donations of time and labor. When the Museum mounts satellite exhibits, installation help is valuable. Special exhibits may require some construction of partitions or display cabinetry. The exhibits themselves require display graphics and captions mounted on Gatorfome, and there are sometimes requirements for picture framing, as well.

 

If you or your company can help, the Museum can guarantee a tax-deductible receipt for your contributions and a plaque on display at the Museum recounting and crediting your (or your organization’s) efforts.

 

Donations of artifacts. If you feel you have an artifact – or a collection of artifacts – that would supplement the Museum collection, Curator Ted Haigh would be pleased to hear from you.

 

Of course, you may also donate your patronage. Next time you’re in New Orleans, stop by the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at the Riverwalk Marketplace, 1 Poydras Street. You’ll find the Museum of the American Cocktail in Suite 169. They are open Mon-Sat from 10 to 7; Sunday from 12 to 6. Admission is $10.00.

 

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