Speaking
HISTORY HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
Discover the stories you didn’t know—and the truth behind the ones you thought you did.
Historian, cartoonist, and author Bret Juliano brings the hidden stories, overlooked places, and persistent myths of American organized crime to life through historical research, original artwork, humor, and visual storytelling.
Available for libraries, historical societies, museums, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Speaking Topics
Mobsters, Nightclubs, and the Hidden History of Roosevelt Road
History was happening right down the street.
Discover the surprising organized-crime history hidden along Roosevelt Road and Chicago’s western suburbs, including Forest Park, Cicero, Oak Park, and beyond.
Best for: Historical societies • Libraries • Local-history audiences
Length: 45–60 minutes + Q&A
Format: Illustrated presentation
Previously presented for the Historical Society of Forest Park.
Chicago’s Biggest Mafia Myths
How much of what we “know” about Chicago’s Mafia is actually true?
From stories repeated for generations to legends reinforced by movies, newspapers, and popular culture, some of Chicago’s most familiar organized-crime stories aren’t quite what they seem. Bret examines the historical record behind persistent Mafia myths and explores how the legends became part of Chicago history.
Best for: Libraries • Historical societies • Museums • General audiences
Format: Illustrated presentation
Additional Programs
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Comics, Literacy & Visual Storytelling
An illustrated program exploring comics as a gateway to reading, visual literacy, and storytelling. Particularly suited for schools, libraries, educators, and young readers. -
From Kickstarter to Creator-Owned Publishing
What Audiences Can Expect
More than a traditional history lecture
Bret’s presentations combine:
- Historical research and primary/secondary sources
- Archival photographs and historical imagery
- Original cartoons and illustrations
- Humor and accessible storytelling
- Surprising stories about people and places audiences may have passed hundreds of times without knowing their history
- Q&A and audience discussion
The result is a history program designed for curious general audiences—not just organized-crime experts.
Previous Appearances & Speaking
Historical Society of Forest Park
Mobsters, Nightclubs, and the Hidden History of Roosevelt Road
Featured on WGN-TV
About Bret
Bret Juliano is an organized-crime historian, cartoonist, and author specializing in the hidden stories, overlooked places, and persistent myths of the American Mafia.
For nearly a decade, he has researched American organized-crime history and transformed the stories he uncovers into comics, books, illustrations, and live presentations.
His work combines historical research with original artwork, humor, and visual storytelling, giving general audiences an accessible way into a subject often shaped by decades of folklore, headlines, movies, and television.
Bring History Hiding in Plain Sight to Your Audience
Bret is available for presentations at libraries, historical societies, museums, colleges and universities, civic organizations, and other educational and community events.
Programs can be tailored to event length and audience needs. For availability, program questions, and speaking fees:
Email: bret@dustbunnymafia.com
Or use the inquiry form below.
