Discovery of Rare Madeira Wine at Liberty Hall Museum
Historical Significance
During a renovation project at the Liberty Hall Museum on the campus of New Jersey’s Kean University, historians stumbled upon a treasure trove of American wine history: nearly three cases of Madeira wine dating back to 1796, the year John Adams was elected president.
The fortified wine, originating from the Portuguese island of Madeira, played a significant role in the development of the United States. Its high alcohol content and durability during long sea voyages made it the preferred beverage of gentlemen and ladies in the New World during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Revolutionary Connections
Madeira wine was intertwined with the American Revolution. John Hancock famously smuggled ships of Madeira into the colonies, defying British taxation. The seizure of his ship Liberty, laden with contraband Madeira, sparked riots in Boston and contributed to the growing tensions that led to the Revolution.
Legend has it that Thomas Jefferson toasted the Declaration of Independence with Madeira, and George Washington celebrated the British evacuation of New York City with the fortified wine.
Discovery and Preservation
The workers at Liberty Hall discovered the historical beverage, along with 42 demijohns of wine from the 1820s, hidden behind a wall constructed during Prohibition. Unlike most old wines that deteriorate over time, Madeira’s fortified nature allows it to remain indefinitely if stored properly.
Value and Provenance
Some of the bottles included Madeira produced for the personal use of millionaire wine importer Robert Lenox. These Lenox bottles are incredibly rare and could be worth as much as $20,000 each, according to Mannie Berk of the Rare Wine Co.
The Liberty Hall Museum owns the wine and will decide whether to allow anyone to sample the Revolutionary libation.
Liberty Hall’s History
Liberty Hall itself was originally built in 1772 and has grown over time from a 14-room house owned by New Jersey’s first elected governor to a 50-room mansion owned by the Livingston and Kean families. It was eventually transformed into a museum on the campus of Kean University.
Alexander Hamilton is known to have stayed in the house in 1773, where it is likely he enjoyed a taste of Madeira (although the founding father was more partial to coffee).
Legacy and Significance
The discovery of this rare Madeira wine provides a tangible connection to the founding era of the United States. It sheds light on the role of Madeira in shaping American history, from its role in fueling the Revolution to its presence at momentous celebrations.
The Liberty Hall Museum’s collection of Madeira wine serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the United States and the enduring legacy of this fortified beverage.
