About Us
The American Hop Museum collects, preserves, and shared the history of hops in the United States. Through exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling, we help visitors understand the people, places, and innovations that shaped American's hop industry.
As the only museum in the nation dedicated entirely to hop history, we serve the public by preserving an important agricultural heritage and making it accessible to visitors, researchers, growers, and hop enthusiasts from around the world.
Our Roots
The American Hop Museum opened to the public in 1993 in Toppenish, Washington's historic district and serves as a vital anchor for Pacific Northwest agricultural history as well as sharing the story of our broader national history.
The museum is housed in a historic 1917 building that once sat at the center of the local economy: first as a creamery and then as a hop-focused business before becoming home to the museum.
Our Mission
To preserve, protect, and display historical equipment, photos, artifacts, and stories to the public on the 420-year history of the humulus lupulus (Hop plant) and industry in America. To be the national repository for America's hop history.
Our Region
The American Hop Museum stands at the epicenter of the industry as the premier hop growing region. The Yakima Valley’s unique combination of volcanic soil, consistent irrigation, dry climate, and the 46th parallel's perfect daylight hours creates a microclimate unlike any other on Earth.
Our Story
Our Founders
The American Hop Museum was founded through the vision and dedication of individuals who understood the importance of preserving hop history for future generations. With support from Yakima Valley hop growers, businesses, and community members, the museum was established to safeguard historic equipment, artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of hop growing in America.
What began as a local preservation effort has grown into a nationally recognized museum, welcoming visitors from across the United States and from countries around the world.
Why Hop History Matters
Hops have played an important role in shaping agriculture, labor, innovation, and community life in the United States. From early cultivation to modern production, hop farming reflects broader stories of immigration, technological change, and regional development. Preserving this history helps connect today’s visitors to the people and practices that helped shape rural communities and global industries. By caring for these stories and artifacts, the American Hop Museum helps ensure that an important part of America’s agricultural heritage is not forgotten. Hops aren't just about the past; they represent a history of constant innovation in agriculture and technology that continues to drive the industry today.
Nonprofit Status
The American Hop Museum is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
What You'll Find at the Museum
Visitors to the American Hop Museum can explore:
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historic hop-growing and harvesting equipment
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photographs and documents from hop farms across the country
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artwork depicting American hop culture
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exhibits highlighting drying, baling, and processing techniques
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stories of the people who worked in hop fields, kilns, farms, and hop-related businesses
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archive of historic hop industry materials and publications
The museum offers self-guided visits as well as group tours by request.
A Community-Supported Museum
The American Hop Museum is supported by a small staff, a dedicated volunteer board, volunteers, interns, sponsors, and community partners.
Volunteers and interns contribute in many ways — from helping with preservation to leading tours to sharing specialized skills and historical knowledge. Sponsors and donors play a vital role in helping the museum maintain its historic building, care for its collections, and serve the public.
Looking Ahead
Preserving history is ongoing work. The American Hop Museum continues to:
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care for historic artifacts
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improve exhibits and visitor experiences
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maintain and protect our historic building
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share hop history with a growing audience
We are looking to expand our outreach and impact in the following ways:
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protect artifacts through best practice preservation materials
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capital improvements to protect assets and collections
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offer new programs and educational opportunities for community youth
Support from individuals, businesses, and granting organizations helps ensure this work can continue.
Support Our Mission
The American Hop Museum relies on community support to preserve hop history for future generations.
Whether you visit the museum, volunteer your time, sponsor an event, or make a donation, your involvement helps keep this unique museum accessible and thriving.
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