Local News Team Visits the Jail on Halloween and some spooky things occur…
Original Front Page News
1928
On Thursday April 19, 1928 at 9:51 am Charlie Birger plummeted to his death before a multitude of thousands. Birger’s execution was such a monumental event in Illinois history that it is still talked about today, 90 years later.
2018
To mark the 90th anniversary of the gloomy execution, The Franklin County Historic Jail Museum will offer three events to those brave enough to probe into the events leading up to and beyond Birger’s execution.
Thursday– Brave enough to stay overnight in the cellblocks? On Thursday April 19, 2018 (exactly 90 years later) you will be locked inside the cellblock in attempt to make the dawn of Friday morn. This has only been attempted once before over 25 years ago. Bring your own blanket, pillow, water, and machine gun. You will be locked in one of the three cell blocks (Upper, Lower, or Isolation). The upper and lower blocks will be limited to only 3 inmates each. Birger was locked up in the lower cell block for one week prior to being moved to isolation. The upper cell block houses the original gallows used to execute Birger and others throughout the Heartland. Isolation, however, the cell where Birger resided for a year, will accommodate only two unlucky souls. Ticket prices are $45.00 ea for Upper (limit 3) and Lower cell (limit 3) blocks and $100.00 ea for Birger’s Isolation cell (limit 2). Tickets are sold at the museum on a first come first serve basis.
Friday April 20– Forgotten Souls Paranormal Investigation Team from Cape Girardeau, MO will take you on a guided ghost hunt throughout the museum’s dark depths using all the latest gadgets and instruments. The Team has performed hundreds of investigations around the midwest including an eventful previous investigation here at the museum. Hundreds of encounters have been reported and captured by many teams in recent years ranging from voices, slamming doors, shadowy images, and even a far fetched late night sighting of Birger hanging from the gallows just outside the lower cell block.
Dusk to Darkness Session 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm $15.00 ea ( only 10 tickets available)
Murky Midnight Session 11:00pm – 2:00am and beyond $25.00 ea ( only 10 tickets available)
Saturday April 21– Beginning at 8:00 pm the museum will offer guided candlelight history tours (each hour/on the hour) retracing the events of Birger’s last night in the jail including his walk up the 13 steps of the gallows. Ticket holders will learn of the dark history of the Birger Gang as they experience a complete tour of the museum-inside and out. Ticket price $10.00 ea. Groups limited to 6 per hour. Tickets are sold at the museum on a first come first serve basis.
Previous public events at the Historic Jail Museum has sold out quickly. We cannot reserve spots or tickets.
For more information and ticket availability contact the museum at 618-435-5777.
Stay informed with our Charlie Birger Facebook page
and send us an email at historicjail@frontier.com.
Museum hours are Mon- Sat 10:00am- 3:00 pm
Straight out of the pages of an Escape Room- featured on an area news report. click here KFVS 12
Charlie Birger spent a hard long year locked up in the jail and couldn’t manage to find a way out. Have you ever thought you were smart enough to bust outta jail? Are you better than Birger? Well then, The Jail Break Challenge is now on. You and your teammates have 60 minutes of isolation inside the 1906 lower cell block where only problem solving, creativity, and resourcefulness will set you free. You’ll need to think and work fast using MacGyver-like techniques to find your way to freedom. One hour in this jail ticks away fast.
Recommended for team participation of 4-8 so-called Escape Artists.
To reserve your team’s hard time behind bars call or email the Franklin County Historic Jail Museum. Booking teams now after 5:00 pm.
$12.00 per person or group rates available for larger teams
618-435-5777
historicjail@frontier.com
The Historic Jail Museum is now open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am through 3:00pm. In addition, the Jail is also open for special night tours for those interested in Ghost Hunting or viewing the many exhibits under the glow of the antique lighting.
Street-Scape project connecting 1920’s Jail Museum and 1910’s Garage Museum with brick edged walkway including plantings, benches and period lighting- Scheduled for completion Fall 2013
The Garage Museum is located only two blocks from the Jail Museum.