The Scott County Heritage Center and Museum will be hosting two public showings of the documentary film, “The Legend of the Reno Brothers” on Saturday, March 15, at the Mid-America Science Park. The showings will be accompanied by a public exhibition and discussion of the Reno Brothers by Historian Mark Boardman and a meet and greet session with members of the production team.
The Reno Gang was a group of criminals numbering more than 100 that operated in the Midwest before and after the Civil War. Led by Frank Reno, the group is remembered for their monumental train robbery in 1868 in Scott County, Ind. The event is one of the most famous in the history of outlaw acts in the United States.
“The Legend of the Reno Brothers” will explore the history of the Reno Gang leading up to the robbery and after the act. Several members of the gang were lynched by vigilantes in 1868 and created an international diplomatic incident with Canada and Great Britain. No one was ever identified or prosecuted in the hangings, as the film will explore through a handful of historians and experts. Movie information and the trailer can be seen here.
Boardman will showcase his collection of Reno Gang memorabilia, which includes rare photos and letters on exhibit, following the first showing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and greet several members of the production team during this time. Members include Director Anthony Susnick, Executive Producer and Author of Anarchy in the Heartland Dave Distler and Assistant Director Morgan Raque.
In addition, Susnick, will be bringing a special guest, Mark “Big Poppa” Stampley to perform a few songs that were part of the movie soundtrack. “Big Poppa” was also the narrator for the film.
The first showing will begin at 2 p.m. and the second will begin at 6 p.m. with admission at $8 per person (doors will open at MASPark at 1:30 p.m.). For a complete schedule of events for the day, visit the Museum’s website. For more details, please call 812-752-1050.
