Prohibition Funeral

On Halloween eve, from 6:30-9:30pm, the Heurich House Museum will hold a mock funeral for the spirit of Temperance. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the night Washington drank the remainder of its alcohol before Prohibition took over the city, this event is an effort to permanently banish the spirits of temperance from returning to the city.

The evening’s ceremony will mimic the fake funerals for “John Barleycorn” which were held across the country by temperance leaders when Prohibition was enacted in America. Prohibition arrived in Washington, DC earlier than the rest of the nation, on midnight between October 31 and November 1, 1917. For the next 16 years, Washington, DC brewers were forced to stop production causing many businesses to close permanently.

During the “open casket wake”, ceremony, and post-funeral reception, guests will work alongside modern-day DC beer and spirits industry leaders to perform the ritual ceremonies required to keep temperance at bay. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest mourning clothes and participate in the funereal activities.

The event will take place at the historic home of DC’s most successful brewmaster, Christian Heurich, from 6:30-9:30pm on October 31, 2017. Tickets include unlimited drinks, food, and entertainment. To purchase tickets, go to http://bit.ly/HHMTemp.