The John Dillinger Museum, located in the lower level of the Historic Old Courthouse in downtown Crown Point, is no longer open. That announcement came this morning from the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. The museum was moved to Crown Point from Hammond in the summer of 2015.
CVA spokesperson Erika Dahl told Lakeshore Public Radio that the decision to permanently close the museum was not a hasty one. but made after considerable review and discussion. She did not say why the Museum was closing. But she apologized to anyone who had made plans to visit the Museum for the inconvenience.
Since its move to Crown Point, the museum has welcomed approximately 20,000 people from around the world.
The John Dillinger Museum showcased a collection of historic artifacts and follows the life and times of Depression Era gangsters and the rise of the FBI during their crime sprees. A special memorial was placed inside the Museum at the Old Courthouse to honor local law enforcement officers that have given their lives in the line of duty.
Crown Point Mayor David Uran says he's sad to learn of the John Dillinger Museum's closing. He said the Museum was an asset to Crown Point’s downtown -- not only economically, but that it but it told the story of our local law enforcement, the FBI and ultimately that crime doesn’t pay.
Erika Dahl of the South Shore CVA says all options are being explored for the John Dillinger Museum, including finding another location for the exhibits.
