Steve Nagiewicz

(BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Explorer Steve Nagiewicz's chance find of an unknown shipwreck off the New Jersey coast led to a more intriguing discovery - evidence of shady business that thrived when alcohol was illegal. Join them for “Rumrunners, Prohibition and the Rise of the Mob” at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The event begins at 6:30pm.

The maritime historian uncovered signs of rumrunner tugboats that quietly trafficked in “bootleg” alcohol off the Jersey Shore after the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which established the prohibition of alcohol.

The ban followed the first great pandemic of 1918-19 and ushered in the Roaring ‘20s, speakeasies, The Great Gatsby and notorious underworld figures who profited by skirting the law. Steve’s fascinating presentation will bring the turbulent times to vivid clarity.

As a registered professional archaeologist and scuba diver, Steve Nagiewicz has logged thousands of dives worldwide in his 40-year career. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a former Executive Director of the Explorers Club and a former manager of the State of New Jersey’s Maritime Science Laboratory at Sandy Hook.

The licensed ship Master and Marine Science adjunct professor at Stockton University is the author of five books and numerous articles about maritime heritage and shipwrecks. He has appeared on National Geographic, Discovery+, the Science Channel and PBS and is a frequent expert contributor to local and national news reports.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBShip for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Brick Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through fundraising, programs and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, call (732) 477-4513 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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