Learn The Real Story Behind 'Ness Vs. Capone' OP History Museum

ORLAND PARK, IL -- Spellbinder Joseph Geringer offers up a thrilling 60-minute presentation about the government’s fight against Chicago’s most notorious gangster at the Orland Park History Museum starting at 1 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 10. If your image of Eliot Ness is Robert Stack or Kevin Costner, then you don’t want to miss “Capone vs. Ness: The REAL Story of the Untouchables.” Pre-registration is required.

Geringer is an author, actor and historian who’s spent over thirty years researching Chicago’s gangster era during Prohibition. Born in St. Sabina Parish on Chicago’s South Side, Geringer grew up in St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park. He is a graduate of Leo High School and Saint Xavier University.

“I grew up with an Irish mother who drummed in my head the value and color of history,” Geringer said. “When other kids were watching Huckleberry Hound or Yogi Bear, I was learning about the Roaring 20s or the Civil War from my mom.”

In his presentation, Geringer will explain how Al “Scarface” Capone’s empire stretched deep into the western and southern suburbs.

“My dad grew up in Bridgeport and lived next door to a real life gangster who he described as ‘the nicest guy on the block.’ The kids loved him but he was rubbed out one day mowing his lawn,” Geringer recalled.

Geringer wrote a full length play published by Samuel French and performed by semi-professional playhouses in Chicago. “Near to Me: An Irish Gangster’s Love Story.”

“It’s a memory play really, based partly on my family that lived in St. Sabina’s in the 20s and partly on real events that neighbors remembered,” Geringer explained.

Geringer’s Untouchables presentation takes the audience back to Chicago during the early 1930s. Hear the clatter of the Model A Ford, the rumble of streetcars, brassy jazz and the staccato of Thompson guns. Learn little-known facts about “Scarface Al” and the intrepid Department of Justice agent, Eliot Ness, who helped to bring him down.

Geringer, who has researched the subject for 30 years, has appeared on the History Channel and authored many magazine articles, Internet books and a play about Prohibition Chicago. He has spoken about different eras in history throughout the Chicago area.

Robin Lif, of the Lockport Genealogical and Historical Society, wrote, “Our members unanimously want you back again for our annual dinner.” Eileen Strong, with the Hinsdale Women’s Club, “You brought me back in time --- so vividly!”

Pre-registration is required at the Orland Park Recreation Department, 14600 South Ravinia Avenue. The cost is $9 for village residents/employees and $14 for non-residents. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 708/403-7275.

The presentation will be held at the Orland Park History Museum, 14415 Beacon Avenue. Free parking is available behind the building.