Public Museum to bring to life 'Public Enemies' era

The Oshkosh Public Museum is the latest in the area to capitalize on the excitement building before the release of Michael Mann's "Public Enemies."

The museum will open its original exhibit, "The Era of Public Enemies: A Wave of Crime in a Troubled Time," June 27 – four days before "Public Enemies," the gangster film starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard, opens in theaters.

"We just saw the crazy excitement that the filming caused last when (crews) were in Oshkosh and throughout Wisconsin," said Megan Del Debbio, marketing and membership coordinator, of the exhibit's inspiration. The museum saw an opportunity to educate visitors about the violent era of the "public enemy," specifically 1933-34.

Recreated scenes like an art deco night club and a 1930s movie theater and objects like a copy of John Dillinger's death mask will bring the turbulent '30s to life, according to curator Deb Daubert.

"Bad guys" and "good guys" will be compared throughout, using photos and information from the FBI and the Oshkosh Police Department, and from Baubert's research, which began shortly after Universal's crews left Oshkosh in April 2008. Some objects will be authentic pieces from the museum's collection or on loan from private collectors, such as police uniforms and paraphernalia.

Even John Dillinger wannabes will get to try their luck at robbing a bank teller's window, Daubert said.

But, be warned: the scenario comes complete with a 1930s jail cell.

The "Public Enemies" exhibit ends with a "community-curated" portion. The museum doesn't have storefronts or props from Universal, so it's hoping to get response from extras, spectators and others who may have items, mementos and photographs from the film shoots.

Daubert said she hopes the exhibit is a fun tool for movie-goers.

"In some ways it might -- it will – enhance the movie for them because they'll better understand … the history behind it and what the whole era was about," she said.