Museum of the American Gangster

In 2010, Lorcan Otway founded the Museum of the American Gangster to tell the engaging, educational and historically accurate story of the role organized criminal activity played in creating the America of today. From the smuggling gangs which led to the American Revolution to the Underground Railroad, dedicated people who broke Federal law to help those who freed themselves from slavery, to the rise of the Five Families in the aftermath of Prohibition, the story of Organized Crime is the story of the USA. The MOTAG is located in a building which played a central role in the liquor smuggling business during the Roaring 20’s. Exhibits in the museum include a Prohibition-era Appalachian still, and an authentic Manville “automatic shotgun”.  Tour guides escort you on a tour through the theater (the former speakeasy club) and the tavern and describe the basement bunker and smuggling tunnels used by the bootlegger/owner of the building. See the original features of the building that were installed to provide camouflage and security for the speakeasy, including the defense of last resort: the bomb triggers that were at the entrance of the smuggling and escape tunnels, meant to take down the building in the event of a raid.

As a precaution during the Covid pandemic, MOTAG is offering private tours only by appointment, and only for families/pods/households/quaranteams. The 60 minute private guided tour costs $80 for up to four people. Additional people are $15 each.

The tour is suitable for all ages. Walking in involved, including stairs in the historic 1850’s building.

For tour inquiries and bookings, please send email with your name, phone number, preferred date/time for tour, and number of people in the group to:  museumoftheamericangangster@gmail.com