KEY ARTIFACTS AND NOTABLE NAMES IN ORGANIZED CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FEATURED IN THE MOB MUSEUM
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 2012)– The Mob Museum features a strong starting line-up of the most famous and infamous names associated with organized crime along with key artifacts that headline one of the most impressive collections of mob history under one roof, according to The Museum’s creative director Dr. Dennis Barrie. A world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas, The Museum presents an authentic view of the battle between the mob and law enforcement with an insider’s look at the events and people on both sides of the story.
The Mob Museum’s signature artifacts include some of the most iconic in mob history such as the St. Valentine’s Day Wall, where seven men affiliated with the Moran gang were murdered by the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone in in Chicago on February 14, 1929. A 38 caliber Colt Detective special revolver that was recovered at the Massacre will be on display and is the only revolver directly related to the shooting that is legally in private ownership. The gun is believed to have been owned by Frank Gusenberg, top gunman for the Moran gang, and is thought to have been in his overcoat pocket during the massacre. After the shooting ceased, Gusenberg is reported to have crawled to the door for help during which time the revolver fell out of his coat pocket.
Another high profile artifact is the barber chair where Albert Anastasia was sitting when he was murdered in New York City on October 25, 1957. Anastasia – aka “Lord High Executioner” –was then boss of the Gambino crime family, which operated a gang of hit men and contract killers known as Murder, Inc. Estimates of those killed during the time period in which Murder, Inc. operated are between 400-700 people, and most of the cases were never solved, just like the murder of Anastasia.
Artifacts belonging to Alphonse Capone, Dion O’Bannion, George Moran, Charlie Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Ben Siegel, Sam Giancana, Joe Bonanno, Frank Rosenthal, Mickey Cohen, Moe Sedway, Tony Spilotro and John Gotti, are among the hundreds of other unique and rare items that will add considerable interest. “The names read like a who’s who in the annals of the mob” said Barrie. “We are actively working with a number of mob families and collectors of mob memorabilia to ensure our collection is comprehensive, compelling and dynamic,” he said.
Guns, weapons, customized jewelry, personal belongings and hundreds of photographs are among the many other artifacts housed within The Museum. Yet, it’s The Museum’s interactive and highly experiential exhibits that will best help bring to life the fascinating stories of organized crime and those who fought against it, according to Jonathan Ullman, executive director of The Mob Museum.
“Visitors are immersed into these exciting and educational stories through interactive touch screens and unique ways to learn about law enforcement and the tools of organized crime,” he said. “Visitors can shoot a simulated tommy gun, listen to real FBI surveillance tapes on wiretapping equipment and take part in FBI weapons training. They will hear actual incriminating evidentiary wiretaps and learn the meaning of what is being said and decoded.”
According to Ullman, visitors will even have the opportunity to experience a Fire Arms Training Simulator (FATS) used by law enforcement agencies at every level. “This will allow the public to view real life scenarios, challenge their own perceptions, make on-the-spot judgment calls and understand the consequences of their actions,” he said.
The 41,000-square-foot Mob Museum includes 17,000 square feet of exhibition space on three floors in addition to a specialty retail store, special event areas, educational areas and office space. Admission is $18 for adults ages 18 and over; $12 for children ages 5 to 17 and students ages 18 to 23 with ID; $14 for seniors, military, law enforcement and teachers; and $10 for Nevada residents of all ages. Museum hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
About The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world. With tales so intriguing they need no embellishment, The Museum reveals an insider’s look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle. True stories of mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits and multi-sensory experiences. The Mob Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments. For more information, call 702-229-2734 or visit www.themobmuseum.org. Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themobmuseum and on Twitter: @TheMobMuseum.
For More Information:
Ceres Hill, Dir. of Marketing and Public Relations
The Mob Museum
702-229-2711
cereshill@themobmuseum.org
Ceres Hill, Public Relations Specialist
The Mob Museum
702-724-8602
mdoria@themobmuseum.org
