GHOSTS, GANGSTERS & MOONSHINE!
SPEAKEASY!
AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM | Alton, Illinois
7:00 PM | 21 AND OLDER FOR THIS EVENT!
NO DINNER IS SERVED! | $32 Per Person
JUNE 5, 2026
Join author Troy Taylor for a presentation on "Charlie Birger: Life and Crimes in 1920s Illinois," which includes the history of Illinois during prohibition, speakeasies, gangsters, and the hauntings connected to the Gangsters of Southern Illinois! This special night will also include a tasting of Prohibition-themed moonshine for adults only! 21 and Older for this event -- does not include dinner!
Come along for a trip back in time to the Roaring ‘20s and discover the story of gangster Charlie Birger — his life, crimes, criminal connections, and his war with the infamous Shelton Brothers, which rocked Southern Illinois! We’ll delve into the underworld of brothels, booze, rattling Tommy guns, crime, corruption, and “one-way rides” during a night that you won’t soon forget!
about the night:
Join us at the American Oddities Museum in Alton, Illinois for another special event!
- Doors open at 6:30 PM
- Events held at the American Oddities Museum Located at 301 Piasa Street in Alton, Illinois
- American Hauntings Bookstore located in the Museum so books will be available for purchase and can be autographed by Troy Taylor
MORE ABOUT “CHARLIE bIRGER: LIFE AND CRIMES”
During the 1920s, the attention of the entire nation was often on Illinois – shocked by the bloodshed and carnage that was taking place on the streets of Chicago, where Al Capone and his cronies fought for control of liquor in the city. But the truth was, what was happening in Chicago couldn’t compare with the violence in Southern Illinois.
It was there that a gangster named Charlie Birger had been selling bootleg liquor, running gambling houses and speakeasies, had shot a number and killed a number of men, and had been fighting an all-out, guns in the streets, bullets flying everywhere war with another gang -- Shelton brothers – for years. His fate would be sealed on the gallows, but he left an enduring legend behind with stories of generosity, cold-blooded murder, booze, and bullets.
Amidst all the bloodshed, – Charlie Birger became a legend, leaving behind stories of murder, mayhem, and ghosts! If you have a fascination with the bloody history of Illinois — and want to experience some amazing moonshine — this is a night you don’t want to miss!