Prohibition in Eastern Iowa

The 18th Amendment went into effect in 1920, prohibiting anyone from selling, manufacturing, importing, or exporting liquor. With its statewide prohibition in 1916, Iowa made up one of the three key prohibition states that led the movement. Iowa author and historian Linda McCann will present on prohibition in eastern Iowa on Thursday, May 2nd, at the Muscatine Art Center.

To tell the story of Prohibition in eastern Iowa, McCann interviewed the children of bootleggers and moonshiners. Some of her interviewees responded eagerly, while others warned her to forget their names and pretend she never spoke to them. Although a century has passed since Iowa became a dry state, the subject of Prohibition can still touch a nerve.

The public may attend this program for free at the Muscatine Art Center, located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, Iowa.
In fall of 2022, the Muscatine Art Center will host the National Endowment for the Humanities exhibit, “Spirited: Prohibition in America.”