LANCASTER, Pa. – LancasterHistory is excited to announce an upcoming lecture titled “Prohibition: The Misunderstood Reform,” featuring Dr. Mark Schrad from Villanova University.

Join us on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, as Dr. Schrad delves into the fascinating history of prohibition as a broad-based progressive movement, shedding new light on the complex relationship between temperance, social reform, and public health.

The 18th Amendment and national prohibition are often associated with a uniquely American temperance movement characterized by conservative and puritanical values. However, Dr. Schrad's discussion will challenge these conventional beliefs. His research reveals that temperance was, in fact, a comprehensive international movement aimed at combating the detrimental effects of the “liquor traffic” on public health and well-being, rather than just moralizing.

By placing the American temperance experience in a global context, Dr. Schrad's talk offers a nuanced understanding of social movements in local history, American history, and world history, dispelling myths and offering a fresh perspective on the era.

“Dr. Schrad’s exploration of temperance as a global movement challenges conventional beliefs about Prohibition,” Director of Education and Exhibition Planning, Dr. Mabel M. Rosenheck said. “This talk will offer global context to the history of prohibition in Lancaster County which our newest exhibit, Thieves & Vagabonds: A History of Law and Justice in Lancaster County, opening November 17th, also will explore.”

Dr. Mark Schrad is a Professor of Political Science and Director of Russian Area Studies at Villanova University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is the author of three books, including Vodka Politics: Alcohol, Autocracy, and the Secret History of the Russian State (2014), which has been translated into multiple languages. His latest book, Smashing the Liquor Machine: A Global History of Prohibition, has received accolades, including a Kirkus Starred Review and the Francesco Guicciardini Prize for the Best Book in Historical International Relations from the International Studies Association.

Copies of Dr. Schrad's book, Smashing the Liquor Machine, will be available for purchase in LancasterHistory's Museum Store while supplies last. Dr. Schrad will be on hand to sign copies of his book starting at 5 p.m.

This program is open to the public and free of charge. However, due to limited seating, advance registration is essential for both in-person and virtual attendance to secure your seat or access to the Zoom link. Tickets may not be available at the door for in-person attendees.

To register, please visit our website [www.lancasterhistory.org] or call (717) 392-4633. Online registration will close on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m.

About LancasterHistory

LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States, to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and to promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania within the broader context of state and national history, including the life and legacy of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, his house manager, Lydia Hamilton Smith, and America’s 15th President, James Buchanan.

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