06/24/2026
Green Purse Returns! In collaboration with The Mary Lyon Foundation, $2 of each pint of Green Purse sold in the Floodwater taproom will go towards the foundation's mission of helping students and educators.
In 1834… Lyon left teaching and collected donated funds in a characteristic green purse to raise money for the seminary's creation. She created the first curriculum with the goal that it be equal in quality to those of men's colleges. She also provided the first principal, Eunice Caldwell. Wheaton Female Seminary opened on 22 April 1835, with 50 students and three teachers. Lyon and Caldwell left Wheaton, along with eight Wheaton students, to open Mount Holyoke Female Seminary.
Born in 1797 in Buckland Mass, Mary Lyon beat the odds of her hardscrabble upbringing as a farmer’s daughter. She devoted her life to the advancement of education for women. In honor of Mary Lyon’s achievements and in partnership with The Mary Lyon foundation, Floodwater Brewing Co. created a special batch of beer where $2 from EACH BEER sold goes directly to the Mary Lyon Foundation until the last drop is poured!
“Mary Lyon’s vision of providing women with a collegiate-level education in rural western Massachusetts came at a time when it was still debatable whether women should be, or could be, educated at all. Mount Holyoke was built…because of the persuasive power of Mary Lyon and the financial support of people, including many generous women, who believed in her vision for educated women.” - Leslie Fields MtHolyoke.edu 4/7/2019
“The money raised from this fundraising collab goes directly towards our efforts in providing critical support to students and families and educators in our community. Our goal is to ensure every family, student, and educator receives the essential support they need to thrive, creating a strong community where no one is left behind. Head to Floodwater Brewery in Shelburne Falls to enjoy a delicious brew that does good."
