In 1989 construction started on the DEA Museum (Drug Enforcement Administration), an attraction whose mission is to teach its visitors about the history of drugs, drug addiction and drug law enforcement in the United States. The museum features a variety of engaging state of the art exhibits, interactive kiosks and displays that provide a unique learning environment for the public.
The DEA Museum’s newest exhibit is Good Medicine, Bad Behavior: Drug Diversion in America which gives visitors a look into the prescription drug abuse problem invading the United States. Included in the exhibit is the history of prescription drug abuse as well as the many tactics being used today to fight this scourge. Also on display, Illegal Drugs in America: A Modern History, which chronicles the history of America’s battle with drugs, from America’s First Drug Epidemic in the 1850’s to the DEA today. The Rise of the Modern Drug Culture (1960s-1970s) section of the exhibit showcases bongs made from a 7-Up bottle and a jar of Kraft Imitation Mayonnaise as well as a display board glued with hallucinogenic mushrooms.
There is a nationwide traveling exhibit too, Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause which will be on display at the Louisiana State Museum, Old U.S. Mint building in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 3, 2010 through November 24, 2010. Before you get to ‘buzzed’ about going the museum, remember this is a federal building and they are trained to arrest anyone breaking the law. So bring your kids and not your bad habits. The DEA Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free! Groups of 15 or more, need to call ahead to make reservations.
Leave a Reply