Cheers to Repeal Day: How Alcatraz East Crime Museum is Shaking Things Up This December
If you read my article about my fabulous visit to the Prohibition Museum, you know it’s a topic that fascinates me. Well, today is Repeal Day, December 5—the anniversary of the day America officially ended its wild 13-year experiment with Prohibition. This historic moment marked the return of legal booze, the demise of bathtub gin, and, let’s be honest, the triumph of common sense. To celebrate this spirited occasion, Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is putting the spotlight on Prohibition all December long with their Prohibition Trivia Tuesdays social media event. And let me tell you—it’s the cat’s pajamas!
So grab a cocktail (responsibly, of course), get cozy, and let’s explore how this quirky crime museum is making history fun, interactive, and just a little boozy.
A Museum That’s a Real Knockout
First off, if you haven’t heard of Alcatraz East Crime Museum, it’s time to fix that. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill museum; it’s a deep dive into America’s most infamous crimes, criminals, and justice system quirks. Think Al Capone, Ted Bundy, and Charles Manson all under one roof—yikes, but also fascinating!
This December, they’re cranking up the fun with Prohibition Trivia Tuesdays, a clever way to brush up on your 1920s knowledge and score some fantastic prizes.
The Scoop on Trivia Tuesdays
Each Tuesday in December, Alcatraz East is hosting a trivia event on their Facebook page. The rules are simple: answer their Prohibition-themed trivia question, like and share the post, and you’re entered to win that week’s prize.
Here’s the rundown of prizes:
- December 3: A Crime Book Club Bundle featuring gripping reads like Prints of a Man by Arthur Bohanan, a 9/11 rescuer, and Go Down Together by Jeff Guinn, chronicling the Bonnie and Clyde story.
- December 10: A Family Four Pack of tickets to the museum—perfect for a family outing or a crime-themed double date.
- December 17: A Merch Bundle that includes Alcatraz East swag like a t-shirt, ornament, cup, keychain, and stickers.
- December 24: Two general admission tickets plus the Top Detective Challenge Scavenger Hunt!
Winners are announced on Wednesdays, giving you just enough time to brush up on your Prohibition trivia for the next round.
Why Prohibition?
So why the focus on Prohibition? This era, spanning from 1920 to 1933, was a fascinating time in American history. It wasn’t just about banning alcohol; it was about social change, organized crime, and the resilience of human creativity (I’m looking at you, bootleggers).
Alcatraz East’s tribute to Prohibition shines a light on both its historical importance and its hilarious absurdities. Did banning alcohol work? Not really. Instead, it led to speakeasies, moonshine, and the rise of infamous gangsters like Al Capone.
And in case you’re wondering, the museum even has Al Capone’s rosary on display. Talk about a holy twist to an unholy business!
Fun and Education Combined
Prohibition Trivia Tuesdays aren’t just about winning prizes—they’re a fun way to dive into the history of this chaotic period. If you’re planning to participate, you might want to brush up on your facts. Lucky for us, Alcatraz East has a helpful online Crime Library that covers everything from Prohibition to organized crime.
For example:
- Did you know the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) was the first constitutional amendment to restrict personal freedom?
- Or that the 21st Amendment (Repeal Day) is the only amendment that overturns another?
- And how about this gem: Al Capone reportedly made $60 million a year during Prohibition. Talk about “making it rain” in the 1920s!
How to Participate
Getting involved in Trivia Tuesdays is as easy as opening a bottle of champagne (on Repeal Day, of course):
- Visit Alcatraz East’s Facebook page.
- Comment your answer to the trivia question on the post.
- Like and share the post.
Then cross your fingers, because the prizes are worth the effort. You can even study up by visiting their Prohibition History Guide.
Why Visit Alcatraz East Crime Museum?
If Trivia Tuesdays spark your interest in Prohibition or true crime, a trip to Alcatraz East Crime Museum should be on your bucket list. With over 100 exhibits, interactive experiences, and unique artifacts, it’s an unforgettable journey into America’s criminal past.
Some of their highlights include:
- Al Capone’s rosary: A relic from one of the most infamous gangsters of the Prohibition era.
- Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar: Creepy, but undeniably fascinating.
- Ted Bundy’s dental molds: A chilling reminder of how forensic science helped solve crimes.
They also host special events, like scavenger hunts and team-building experiences, making it a fantastic destination for families, schools, or even office outings.
A Toast to Repeal Day
Repeal Day isn’t just a celebration of the end of Prohibition—it’s a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of the American spirit. Whether you’re participating in Trivia Tuesdays, visiting Alcatraz East, or simply enjoying a well-crafted cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the history behind the holiday.
And if you’re like me, maybe pour yourself a Bee’s Knees or an Old Fashioned to toast the 21st Amendment. Cheers to history, learning, and having a little fun along the way!
