The Frazier History Museum’s “Prohibition and Kentucky” exhibit is now open to the public. Instead of a stodgy ribbon cutting ceremony, the museum staged a Prohibition-era barrel bust, spilling brown liquid into the street. “Protestors” from nearby Kentucky Peerless Distillery, one of the exhibit’s sponsors, carried signs with slogans such as “No Bourbon, No Work!” Brown Forman Master Distiller spoke briefly about Prohibition’s lasting effects on the bourbon industry in Kentucky.
The exhibit contains artifacts from many distilleries as well as private individuals. There are flapper wigs and costumes, medicinal whiskey bottles and Prohibition era vehicles. One of the most impressive displays is a life-sized figure of Carrie Nation, the Kentucky woman who led the Temperance movement. Her iconic cape, hat, and bible are on display in a nearby case, though you might not feel comfortable turning your back on the angry looming figure.
Around the corner in the Speakeasy, Al Capone, the notorious gangster who rose to power as a result of the illicit liquor trade, sits on a sofa. There’s a huge bar and stage in one corner, and the display cases are filled with authentic period clothing. The room will be used for special events in the future.
Prohibition and Kentucky will run through Repeal Day 2016, December 5th. The Frazier History Museum is located on Museum Row at 829 West Main Street. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, noon to 5:00pm. For more information call (502) 753-5663 or visit fraziermuseum.org.
Photos by Maggie Kimberl
