Large-scale brewing peaked in the twentieth century. Today, the industry has reverted back to producing beer in smaller quantities at the local level.

Like other counties, Montgomery County has a long brewing history. Consuming beer was, and remains, a major part of social occasions. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, people had to brew their own beer or visit a local tavern to quench their thirst. By the turn of the nineteenth century, the beer industry expanded as new technology made it easier for brewers to produce beer in greater quantities. With railroads increasing the speed of transportation, companies like A. R. Cox and Scheidt were able to sell their product throughout and beyond Montgomery County. While breweries like A.R. Cox and Scheidt are no longer in business, Montgomery County continues to honor its love for beer. Recently, the county has experienced an influx of craft breweries, which have brought brewing back to life in new ways with a proliferation of beers that are quickly being woven into the fabric of the county’s culture.

On the left side of the case are glass bottles from A. R. Cox and Scheidt Brewing Companies. The picture to the right of the glass bottles is a copy of an aerial photo of Scheidt Brewing Company. In the center, bottom of the case are two bottles and a plastic sign advertizing Scheidt's Rams Head Ale. There is actually still beer inside these two bottles! Towards the top of the case are bottle stoppers and openers from Scheidt. To the right are empty cans from Sly Fox Brewing Company. On the bottom right of the case is a copy of the logo for Sly Fox, an empty growler from Sly Fox, and two empty cans from Conshohocken Brewing Company.

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