Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Visit
    • Events and Programs
    • Schedule a Tour
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • The Collection
    • Collection Spotlight
    • Video Archive
    • Donate to the Collection
  • Exhibits
    • On-Site Exhibits
    • Online Exhibits
      • The History of Drug Use in America
      • A Life of Service: Harry Jacob Anslinger
      • DEA: Air, Land, and Sea
      • Cannabis, Coca, and Poppy: Nature’s Addictive Plants
      • Red Ribbon Week
    • Drugs: Costs and Consequences
    • Wall of Honor
  • Education
    • Lesson Plans
    • Junior Special Agent Program
    • Online Resources: Drug Use and Misuse
    • Online Resources: Drug Law Enforcement
    • Other Museums and Tours
    • Scouting and Youth Programs
  • Search
  • Menu
Home
Facebook Logo
  • About
  • Contact
  • Get Updates
  • Menu

Main Menu

  • Visit
  • The Collection
  • Exhibits
  • Education
  • Search
  • Menu
As of May 7, 2025, all visitors 18 years and older must be REAL ID compliant to visit the Museum.

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Exhibits
  3. Online Exhibits
  4. A Life of Service: Harry Jacob Anslinger
  5. Remembering Harry Anslinger
A Life of Service

Harry Jacob Anslinger, 1892-1975

 

Remembering Harry Anslinger

Anslinger returned home to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, after retiring as commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Upon his death, domestic and international leaders celebrated Anslinger's long and influential life of service. 

Going Home

Section Content

Harry J. Anslinger at home

Following his retirement from professional life, Anslinger settled down in his hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. He reminisced that he “was born and raised here, these are good people, nice people to talk to in a pleasant town.”

He spent many days enjoying coffee and conversation at Lusardi’s Luncheonette, a three-block walk from his house. From there Ansligner continued to correspond with friends and government leaders.

On November 14, 1975, Harry J. Anslinger passed away from heart failure at the age of 83. At his request the funeral was closed to the public. The U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs held a moment of silence in memory of Anslinger’s passing during its February 1976 meeting. Citizens of Hollidaysburg also hung a commemorative plaque in the Blair County Courthouse honoring Anslinger’s distinguished career.

“No other man, living or dead, has had a greater influence in stemming the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs than Harry Anslinger. He has gained ground despite the pressure of international intrigue, the ruthless menace of the underworld, and the conspiracy of communism to undermine the morale of its enemies with narcotic drugs.”

— Dr. Theodore Klumpp, December 1954

Condolences and Memorials

Joseph Anslinger received condolences from his adopted father's acquaintances and colleagues years after Harry's death. Publications, including International Drug Report and Who's Who, reported on the retired commissioner's passing. The Anslinger family preserved photographs of the U.N. moment of silence, and the plaque in Blair County Courthouse hangs to this day. 

Pennsylvania State Senate Resolution of Condolences

Pennsylvania State Senate Resolution of Condolences, December 10, 1975.

Condolence card to Joseph Anslinger

Condolence card on the passing of Harry Anslinger, 1975.

International Drug Report with Harry Anslinger on the cover

International Drug Report, December 1975.

Listing for Anslinger in Who's Who

Listing for Anslinger in Who’s Who, 1976.

U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs observing moment of silence

The U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs held a moment of silence in memory of Anslinger’s passing during its February 1976 meeting.

Minutes from a U.N. Commission meeting

Minutes from the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, 1976.

Restored plaque honoring Anslinger in Blair County Courthouse

Restored plaque honoring Anslinger. Blair County Courthouse, Hollidaysburg, PA, 2015.

Previous Page Exhibit Home
DEA Museum Logo
Visiting Address

700 Army Navy Dr
Arlington, VA 22202

Phone Number

(202) 307-3463

Mailing Address

8701 Morrissette Dr
Springfield, VA 22152

Museum Hours

Open Tuesday - Saturday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Visit
  • The Collection
  • Education
  • Accessibility, Plug-ins, & Policy
  • Legal Policies & Disclaimers
  • No FEAR Act
  • Privacy Policy
  • U.S. Department of Justice EEO Policy
  • USA.gov
  • Whistleblower Protection

© Copyright 2021. Admission to the DEA Museum is FREE.

  • Email
  • Facebook