Event Brings Era of Speakeasies To Cartersville

Sign up for the Cartersville Patch newsletter!

---

Cartersville, GA -- At the next Museum After Dark installment, the Bartow History Museum will become most talked about speakeasy in town.

On Jan. 29, don your best 1920’s attire and join organizers for an evening of drinks, dancing and games at The Museum Club. Enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and light hors d’oeuvres, listen to The Little Jazz Band, practice your Lindy and Charleston, play games and more.

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in January 1919 and went into effect in January 1920. It declared that, “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.”

The National Prohibition Act was created to enforce this new amendment, but the public demand for alcohol endured.

During the time of Prohibition, distilling operations and bootlegging flourished. Speakeasies developed as places for men -- and women -- to drink together, and some became large clubs where patrons could listen to jazz, dance, drink and gamble.

The term “speakeasy” derives from the idea that you were supposed to “speak easy” or quietly about such places when you were in public so as not to draw attention to it.

Tickets and entrance password to The Museum Club are $40 and must be purchased in advance. Doors will not open, but you may gain access at the back door beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bartowhistorymuseum.org.

---

Image via Shutterstock