Last night, Liberty Science Center threw a party so spectacular it would have made Jay Gatsby proud.

“Science Speakeasy,” the latest in our monthly LSC After Dark 21+ party series, took our guests back in time to the 1920s. Hundreds of people packed the building – many of them dressed as flappers, bootleggers, gangsters and more – and engaged in a night of science with a Prohibition twist. (Head on over to our Facebook album to see all the photos from the party)

Flapper friends

On the dance floor

Upon arrival, guests mingled in the PSE&G Court which had been transformed into a casino. People tried their luck at games provided by Royal Casino Party, such as blackjack, roulette and Texas hold’em. As they played, one of our STEM educators walked around the room and performed money-burning science experiments.

To help our guests get into the spirit of the decade, we brought on an early jazz, swing and blues band, The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, who played music inspired by the Roaring Twenties

Playing blackjack

Flaming-hot science experiment! Yes, she’s actually burning a $100 bill (don’t worry, it wasn’t harmed)

The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn

We were also thrilled to have some big names in attendance, such as iHeartRadio’s Skeery Jones, best known from “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” who emceed the night’s festivities.

On the dance floor, DJ Rob Cast – returning from last month’s LSC After Dark party – played more modern music throughout the night. He was joined by LSC After Dark Ambassador Lynn “ChicpeaJC” Hazan and Haytham “Hayoner” Elgawly.

DJ Rob Cast and Skeery Jones

ChicpeaJC on the dance floor

Oh, and Albert Einstein – yes, that Albert Einstein! – also showed up. The brilliant physicist had a lot going on during the 1920s, so naturally we had to invite him to the party.

Einstein was joined by Anthony Iliakostas, who manages Einstein’s social media accounts (you can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Throughout the night, Iliakostas played Einstein Trivia and gave out prizes to guests who knew a thing or two about general relativity.

Albert Einstein and his flapper date

Playing Einstein trivia

As people navigated through the Science Center, they were invited to follow clues that led them to the secret speakeasy hidden within the building.

Those clever enough to find the secret speakeasy were treated to whiskey tastings from two different whiskey companies: Leopold Bros. and Wigle.

Whiskey tasting

Aether

Our attendees got to explore all the exhibits in the building, including the Touch Tunnel, Infinity Climber, and Rock Wall, as well as experience a new Queen laser show in our massive IMAX Dome Theater.

We also had several hands-on experiments occurring throughout the Science Center, such as a fermentation lab – where people learned how to create their own booze, just like in the Prohibition days – and a lie detector lab, where people got to experiment with real polygraph tests.

Fermentation lab

Fermentation lab

Lie detector lab

Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the menu! At every LSC After Dark party, the food and cocktails are always delicious. But this month it was extra special, as each option on the menu was carefully selected to reflect the 1920s era.

You can read more about the food and drinks here.

Basil Hayden Bourbon Glazed Baby Back Ribs

Concealing his alcoholic beverage in a brown paper bag, Prohibition style!

All the outfits were so remarkable that it was hard to pick a winner for the costume contest.

But ultimately, we went with Kristian Herrera from Jersey City:

Kristian Herrera, costume contest winner

Thanks to all who came and fought the good fight against the 18th Amendment! For all the scoop on LSC After Dark, follow us on our brand new LSC After Dark-specific social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Go “rogue” with us as we celebrate the new film from everyone’s favorite sci-fi galaxy at our next LSC After Dark party, “Space Cantina,” on December 15! Rumor has it that a well-known droid will be making an appearance.