Few stories in St. Louis history are as dramatic as the rise and fall of the Lemp brewing empire. It is a tale of ambition, innovation, and heartbreak, spanning generations of a family whose fortunes shaped the city’s identity.

St. Louis historian Chris Naffziger uncovers the surprising story of Adam Lemp, founder of the Western Brewery—better known today as the Lemp Brewery. Drawing on newly discovered contracts and German-language newspapers, Naffziger reveals Lemp as a shrewd, ambitious immigrant who turned early failure into remarkable success. His research traces Lemp’s tangled partnerships, courtroom dramas, and the unexpected women who financed his rise—laying the foundation for one of America’s great brewing dynasties.

Author Stephen P. Walker will then talk about Adam’s son William assuming control of the business upon Adam’s death. This will include a history of the William J. Lemp Brewing Company, its growth, and later collapse under Prohibition. Stephen will also introduce the main family members and discuss their place within Lemp history, the untimely deaths in the family, aspects of their personalities, the current state of the brewery and Lemp Mansion, and what made the Lemps significant to St. Louis history.

Doors swing open at 6:30 p.m., giving you ample time to explore the shelves and connect with fellow history buffs. Talks start at 7 p.m., with a $5 cover helping support this speaker series.