Celebrate the Museum’s 11th Anniversary With Free Admission for NV Residents and Special Presentation of Newly Acquired Artifacts From Al Capone
On Tuesday, February 14, Nevada residents will receive free Museum admission with an I.D. and non-residents will enjoy buy one, get one admission. Special displays will feature newly acquired artifacts including the singular firearm recovered from the crime scene of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, as well as four special artifacts related to Chicago mobster Al Capone. In addition, the two Thompson submachine guns used in the Massacre will be displayed in the Courtroom as part of the anniversary event.
For the first time since the Massacre 94 years ago, all known evidence from the gangland shooting will be together on view. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the historic courtroom, visitors can take advantage of this limited opportunity to get an up-close look at these unique artifacts.
Artifacts on Display
- A Colt Detective Special .38 revolver linked to Frank Gusenberg, one of the seven victims of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
- North Side Gang member Frank Gusenberg was shot 14 times during the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and lived for three hours after the shooting, but when he was questioned on the scene about the perpetrators, the mobster refused to cooperate. The Massacre was later determined to have been orchestrated by Al Capone’s criminal organization and was a result of a power struggle between the two gangs. It is believed that this firearm fell from Gusenberg’s pocket as he attempted to crawl to safety following the Massacre.
- Two Thompson submachine guns used in the Massacre
- Members of the Berrien County, Michigan, Sheriff’s Department, where the guns have been stored since they were recovered from Fred “Killer” Burke’s house in December of 1929, will be on site to discuss the weapons and Massacre.
- A letter Al Capone wrote to his son from Alcatraz prison
- A 1924 prohibition-related letter written from Al Capone to a friend in Wisconsin
- A 1929 letter Al Capone wrote from Eastern State Penitentiary to a friend about buying real estate in the Wisconsin area
- A 1929 home movie shot by Al Capone at his home in Florida with guests Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello
Staff members will be on hand to provide insights about the gun and letters and to answer questions about these one-of-a-kind artifacts.