Al Capone’s mugshot © FBI.gov
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Just in time to commemorate the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, Las Vegas opened the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement today.
Notable mobsters from the past including Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel are highlighted, as well as the influence the mob had on the development of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says of the museum–We have to tell the truth. The truth is, Las Vegas was founded by members of the mob. They became our leading citizens so this museum is founded in reality.
The museum is housed in an old federal courthouse and post office, off the strip dating back to 1933. Planning and preparation for the museum was a long process and started in 2002. Both the creative director and curator of the museum designed exhibits for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.
Admission starts at $10 for Nevada residents. More information on the museum can be found at Huffington Post.