At the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, a new exhibit covers the prohibition era. The exhibit, "American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition," opens Friday NBC News reports.
Highlights include a recreated speakeasy set to feel like a real 1920s era speakeasy and a mock criminal lineup for gangsters.
NBC News reported that the exhibit covers "everything from social change and popular culture, including music and clothing of the period, to important lessons in history about the temperance movement and how government works."
Prohibition was from 1920 to 1933 in which the 18th amendment imposed the prohibition of alcohol, federally. To combat the urge to imbibe, illegal speakeasys where alcohol is served undercover became a thriving industry.
Stephanie Reyer, vice president of exhibitions for the Center said to NBC news, "We knew this was a good story. It captures the imagination of the American people.
Daniel Okrent, author of the book, "Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition," is also the curator of the show. He said to NBC news, "Wayne Wheeler, an attorney for the Anti-Saloon League-a lobbying organization for Prohibition-used his political skill to influence the government. He was the Karl Rove of his day, "the political genius that made it happen."
Displays include how the law was different from state to state and NBC News reports that the exhibit includes more than 120 artifacts that are rare, including "temperance propaganda; original ratification copies of the 18th and 21st Amendments; authentic barware; original home manufacturing items used for making moonshine, homebrewed beer and other liquor."
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