Speakeasies and Spirits

For a period of thirteen years (1920-1933) during the Roaring 1920s and Jazz Age, National Prohibition was the law of the land. Though the 18th Amendment had its share of supporters and opponents, there was perhaps no region more opposed to Prohibition than Baltimore and Maryland. The Free State was defiant in its protest from thoroughly wet Governor Albert Ritchie to esteemed Catholic Cardinal James Gibbons. Maryland was the only state to not pass a baby Volstead enforcement act. Speakeasies emerged at Frostburg’s Gunter Hotel and at Baltimore’s famed Belvedere Hotel, whose famous owls’ blinking eyes would notify its patrons if it was safe to indulge in bootleg liquor. Rumrunners were frequent on the Chesapeake Bay as bootleggers populated the city streets. Journalist H.L. Mencken, known as the “Sage of Baltimore,” drew national attention criticizing the new law. Dr. Walsh will present this “intoxicating” history of the Free State’s experience under the 18th Amendment!

Author Dr. Michael T. Walsh a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is a historian who specializes in both twentieth-century U.S. history as well as local history. Michael majored in history and received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University, Maryland. He obtained a Master’s degree in Historical Studies at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and subsequently earned his Ph.D at UMBC in Public Policy with a concentration in Policy History.

Michael has previously served as an Adjunct History professor at the Community College of Baltimore County, and is currently the Director in the Office of Sponsored Programs at UMBC. Michael is also a professional musician in various bands in the Maryland region. He currently resides in Parkville, MD with his wife, two daughters, and their Australia Shepherd.

Four spirit tasting selections provided by Louthan Distilling. Light fare provided.

Admission: HSBC members, $40, Non-members $45, Registration required.

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/speakeasies-and-spirits

Location: HSBC Almshouse, 9811 Van Buren Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030

Questions? Please contact us at info@hsobc.org