By Catherine Kempista
Have you ever found yourself curious about piracy in the 1860s, the genetics of the characters in the Twilight series, or the history of pockets? Maybe you want to know why The Muppet Christmas Carol is the greatest film of all time or how to become a professional mascot? If any of these topics sound intriguing, Nerd Nite at Wilmington Brew Works (WBW) is for you.
Held on the 4th Wednesday of every month (except December), Nerd Nite Wilmington is a 21-and-over, two-hour event featuring entertaining and obsessively-nerdy presentations by professionals and professional hobbyists on topics that run the gamut — from weird to niche to mundane. Part of the international Nerd Nite movement, Nerd Nite Wilmington events benefit the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS). Each event includes three presentations from passionate speakers, followed by brief Q&A sessions . . . and a beer break.
The events began in January 2024 as an idea of Patrick Wittwer, who worked as the assistant director of experience and culture at DMNS. Having attended a Nerd Nite event in Philadelphia, he pitched the concept as a way for the museum to engage with a wider audience in Wilmington.
“I wanted a way to get our content out into the community a little bit more,” says Wittwer, who serves as Nerd Nite boss. “So, I looked into it and got in touch with Matt [Wasowski], who’s the creator of Nerd Nite, and we started the ball rolling from there.”
Finding the right host location was the next important step.
“Pat wanted to bring Nerd Nite to Wilmington, and I said, ‘You should do it at Wilmington Brew Works’,” says Jennifer Acord, senior director of advancement and strategic communications at DMNS. “They are so connected with the community, and it would be the perfect place.”
Two years and 22 events later, Nerd Nite is well on its way to becoming a Wilmington staple.
“We love having them, and they bring a great crowd,” says John Fusco, WBW co-founder and vice president of creative/marketing. “Pubs, taverns, and breweries over the history of our country have always been a meeting place for the exchange of ideas. This is no different. It’s just a different type of idea. It’s a knowledge movement, and what’s not to love about that?”
The events now have a faithful following in the Wilmington-area, attracting attendees who may be equally passionate about a topic or just want to learn something new.
“My goal each month is to have very different talks,” says Wittwer. The key is the presenters don’t have to be experts, they just have to be nerdy about it. The passion that someone who’s nerdy about something just comes off and really grabs people. It’s infectious.”
This month’s event will be held on Jan. 28 from 6-8 p.m. and features talks on the early stars of animation, what makes conspiracy theories so fascinating, and the political ideology of American house pets. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the DMNS website or at the door.
— If you have something nerdy to share and are interested in becoming a presenter, visit Wilmington.NerdNite.com
Above: Megan McDonald says Nerd Nite is alright in her book. Photo provided.
A native Delawarean, Catherine Kempista has worked in various communication roles in state government, education, and nonprofits for 18 years. Her passion for writing led to her becoming a freelance writer more than a decade ago. She lives in Wilmington with her husband and three children, and when she’s not with them, you can find her running the track at Bellevue State Park.