Pass the Rum: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition

Suitable for Schools · Grades 9–12

This program looks at historical attempts to regulate the consumption of alcohol over the centuries. While most people are aware of prohibition in the 1920, during the so-called Nobile Experiment, attempts to regulate this behavior extends far back into our past. While the program pays deeper attention to the modern era, as the nation and the Delmarva Peninsula struggled to live with the prohibition law for nearly 14 years, it takes a much longer view. During the presentation the audience will hear colorful stories of rum runners, moonshiners, bathtub gin, intriguing personalities, complicated politics, organized crime, outgunned lawmen, and the temperance movement. .

Image: Library of Congress.