Cheers to McGillin’s on National Beer Day

Schedule

Tue Apr 07 2026 at 06:30 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Historical Society of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA

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What happened at McGillin’s stayed at McGillin’s...until now! Explore the iconic bar's 165-year history.
About this Event

On National Beer Day, join us for a talk about the new book, Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern. Christopher Mullins, Jr., co-owner, & Irene Levy Baker, author, will share colorful tales about the bar’s 165-year history, including its survival through the Civil War, two World Wars, two pandemics, a fire, and even Prohibition. The book includes photos from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, a foreword by former Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, and food & drink recipes. Each attendee will receive a discount coupon for lunch at McGillin’s and at McGillin’s new Shoppe, only one block from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

● This event is being offered in a hybrid format. Both onsite and virtual tickets are available. All ticket reservations will include a Zoom link.

● Onsite tickets include admission to the talk and the exhibit Changing Faces of Independence, on view through April 24.

● will be available for purchase onsite. In-person attendees have the option to pre-purchase the book with their ticket.

● We wish to provide complimentary tickets to current secondary, undergraduate, and graduate students. Please email us at [email protected] and tell us where you are enrolled as a student and in what program.


Historical Society of Pennsylvania Members

Please register here.


Event Photos

About the Speakers:

Christopher Mullins, Jr., is the third generation of his family to run McGillin’s Olde Ale House. He is co-owner with his parents, who purchased the bar from his grandfather and great-uncle. The bar has only been owned by two families in 165 years. It was previously owned by three generations of the McGillin family.

Irene Levy Baker is the author of Cheers to McGillin’s, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia, and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. She is also the owner of Spotlight Public Relations. McGillin’s has been her client through two generations, two decades, and countless icy cold beers and Corned Beef Reubens.


Event Photos

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents. We are proud to serve as Philadelphia’s Library of American History, with over 21 million manuscripts, books, and graphic images encompassing centuries of US history. Through educator workshops, research opportunities, public programs, and lectures throughout the year, we strive to make history relevant and exhilarating to all. For more information, visit hsp.org.

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Where is it happening?

Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 11.19 to USD 44.18

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