John Dillinger’s wooden gun and death mask preserve notorious moments in his life

On July 22, 1934, “Public Enemy Number One” – John Dillinger – was killed by federal agents moments after he…


Artifact Spotlight: Hollywood prop guns

What’s a Mob movie without guns? Prop guns have been a part of this movie genre since the first silent…


Artifact Spotlight: Frank Calabrese Sr.’s handmade dictionary

“PRISON: IS WARE I AM AT,” reads an entry in the handmade dictionary of Frank Calabrese Sr., former boss of…


Artifact Spotlight: Alternative liquor products from Prohibition

When Prohibition started on January 17, 1920, beer brewers, liquor distillers and winemakers were in a predicament. The 18th Amendment…


Artifact Spotlight: Frank Gusenberg’s Colt .38 Special Revolver

This Colt Detective .38 Special was the only firearm found at the crime scene of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This snub-nosed revolver was the go-to sidearm for lawmen and lawbreakers alike.