Ninety years ago, national prohibition ended when the Twenty-first Amendment was ratified. By then, Chicago had become associated with the lawlessness ushered in by violations of the Volstead Act. Repeal offered the city a fresh start. Join CHM director of exhibitions Paul Durica on a walking tour that explores how Prohibition’s end was observed in hotels, saloons, private clubs, and the City Council’s chambers. As you stroll, learn about Prohibition’s effects on the tastes and habits of all Chicagoans—from everyday people to the infamous!

Tour runs about 90 minutes; begins at 16 W. Randolph St. and concludes at 17 W. Randolph St.

$25; $22.50 members

Walking Tour-Prohibition Ends-DN-A-4949 People celebrating the repeal of Prohibition, 1933. DN-A-4949, Chicago Sun-Times/Chicago Daily News collection, CHM
Walking Tour-Prohibition Ends-Old Heidelberg The Old Heidelberg restaurant, 14 W. Randolph St., Chicago, August 23, 1938. HB-04875, CHM, Hedrich-Blessing Collection
Legionnaires at the repeal of Prohibition Legionnaires at the repeal of Prohibition, 1933. DN-A-3161, Chicago Sun-Times/Chicago Daily News collection, CHM
Wanted: John Dillinger, Dead or Alive Undated wanted poster for John Dillinger. CHM, ICHi-059732
Translate »