The Louisiana Museum Foundation celebrated a novel night on November 2 at the Old U.S. Mint with a speakeasy-themed gala fundraiser. In this unique opportunity to raise money for the state’s historic treasures, guests presented codes and were admitted through a speakeasy door and were able to post bail in a fun nod to Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow’s late Prohibition crime spree.
Well-known supporters of the Louisiana Museum Foundation inhabited the cells in the Old US Mint for a few hours that night; surrogate Bonnies and Clydes included City Council President Jackie Clarkson and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, who donned prison stripes for this cause.
The gala also showcased period artifacts from the Roaring Twenties, including a smuggler’s boat, a flapper frock and an original FBI Wanted Poster for Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The evening was chaired by Anne Flower Redd and presided over by master of ceremonies WWWL-TV’s Eric Paulsen. Entertainment was provided by the Creole Jazz Serenaders with Don Vappie and solo pianist Sam Kuslan, while partygoers danced the night away with the likes of the NOLA Chorus Girls.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “An Arresting Experience! Jails, Jazz, Bonnie & Clyde,” benefiting the Louisiana Museum Foundation
When: Saturday, November 2, 2013
Where: Old U.S. Mint