TENNESSEE - Alcatraz East Crime Museum to Display Alcatraz Island-Themed Prison Artwork

Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, is opening a new exhibit that features prison art with an Alcatraz theme

PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (July 30, 2019) –Each year, tourists visiting San Francisco make the journey across the water to the must-see Alcatraz Island. Since it’s closing in 1963, the former federal penitentiary continues to intrigue people of all ages, and likewise, there is a huge fascination with the artwork of prison artists. This summer, the two subjects are being brought together at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. The new temporary exhibit, called “Alcatraz Art Escape,” will feature artwork inspired by Alcatraz Island and created by incarcerated artists. The exhibit opens to the public on August 23, 2019 and will run through the spring of 2020.  

“Our visitors are always interested in learning more about Alcatraz, so this will be a unique way to combine that with giving them a glimpse of the beautiful artwork created by prisoners from around the country,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We’re excited to share the work of these artists who have discovered amazing talents they didn’t know they had and are doing what they can to give back to the community. Both crime history enthusiasts and art lovers will want to be sure to see this exhibit.”

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has teamed up with the California-based P.A.T.H. (Prison Arts Touching Hearts) to make these artworks available to the public. The organization focuses on providing a platform and voice for incarcerated artists. Their efforts help to support prison art rehabilitation programs and provide opportunities for artists to sell their work to support community causes. The exhibit will also include some never displayed Alcatraz artifacts from the museum’s collection. These objects include handcuffs from Alcatraz, a guard’s ID and prisoner roster pamphlet with handwritten notes, Al Capone’s rosary, and rare artwork made by an inmate while incarcerated at Alcatraz. 

TENNESSEE - Alcatraz East Crime Museum to Host Conversation with True Crime Investigative Journalist Billy Jensen

 Billy Jensen, renowned true crime journalist, will be speaking in a rare opportunity at Alcatraz East Crime Museum 

PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (July 3, 2019) – He’s been called the Facebook detective and a citizen sleuth and has built a solid reputation for helping to solve true crimes. For the last two decades, Billy Jensen has become a household name within the true crime genre. Fans now have a chance to hear from the “consulting digital detective” in an intimate setting at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Jensen will be speaking at a special event on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The event is free with the paid general admission to the museum, but advance reservations are required to attend.

“We are honored to have Billy Jensen visit the museum and share his experiences and expertise with our visitors,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “He is doing important work and is so open with the true crime community about his journey.”

Those attending will be treated to hearing him speak about such things as the Golden State Killer Case, his podcast, his new book that is coming out, how he got started in the field, and what he’s currently working on. The small group setting will also provide an opportunity to ask questions. 

TENNESSEE - New Temporary Exhibit Memorializes Nicole Brown Simpson, Highlights Domestic Violence

Alcatraz East Crime Museum will have a 25^th murder anniversary memorial exhibit for Nicole Brown Simpson, beginning May 17, 2019

PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (April 29, 2019) – Murdered 25 years ago this June, Nicole Brown Simpson would have celebrated her 60^th birthday on May 19, 2019. In her memory, Alcatraz East Crime Museum is turning the focus on domestic violence, offering a temporary exhibit dedicated to who Nicole was as a daughter, sister, and mother, and the devastating impact of domestic violence. The exhibit will open on May 17, 2019 and will run for three months.

“Domestic violence is a major problem that doesn’t get the attention it should,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We wanted to turn the focus back on Nicole’s story, and how devastating the fear of domestic violence can be, as well as celebrate the special person she was to so many.” 

TENNESSEE - Ted Bundy Display Planned for 30-Year Execution Anniversary

Alcatraz East Crime Museum will have a Ted Bundy display for the 30^th anniversary of the serial killer’s execution

PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (January 14, 2019) – January 24, 2019 will be the 30^th anniversary of the execution of one of the most well-known serial killers and rapists of the 20^th century, Ted Bundy. There are several events taking place over the anniversary, including new items being made available to the public for the first time at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. The display, which will be in front of the famous 1968 Volkswagen Beetle already on view, will include letters, cards, photos, and a radio given to Bundy by his mother, that he kept until he was moved to death row. Available for only a limited time, this display will shed light on the private side of the notorious killer that haunted the country until his death.