Guests enjoyed music of the era, Templeton Rye craft cocktails and more at Chicago History Museum

On Thursday, December 1, 2016 the Chicago History Museum toasted the 83rd anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with 1930s inspired music, dancing, cocktails, history and more at the annual Prohibition-era themed event The Last Speakeasy: On the Eve of Repeal.

Around 800 of Chicago’s finest-dressed guys and dolls danced to era-inspired music by The Prohibition Orchestra, tried their luck at novelty gaming tables and soaked up Chicago history across two floors of the Museum’s ballroom, exhibitions and lobbies.

Guests sipped on prohibition themed cocktails provided by Templeton Rye.

A VIP experience included password-only access to a private bar serving up creative cocktails courtesy of Templeton Rye and specialized culinary creations by Spiaggia Restaurant’s James Beard award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and beverage director and Food & Wine 2016’s “Sommelier of the Year” Rachel Lowe.

The night included appearances from Richard Lindberg, Chicago historian and author, for a discussion on Prohibition gangs of Chicago, Joy Bivins, director of curatorial affairs at the Chicago History Museum, for a presentation on the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, and John Russick, vice president of education and interpretation at the Chicago History Museum for a presentation on the temperance movement.

The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of lead sponsor Templeton Rye, with additional support from sponsors the Lincoln Motor Company, Tasting Table and Spiaggia.

THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

The Chicago History Museum, a major museum and research center for Chicago and American history, is located at 1601 N. Clark Street. The Museum can be reached by CTA buses 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156. Parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum at Clark and LaSalle Streets (enter on Stockton Drive). Admission includes our audio tours: $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, free for children 12 years and younger. Prices are subject to change. Please call 312-642-4600 or visit us at chicagohistory.org. To learn more follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.