PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (August 12, 2025)– Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a full lineup of activities planned for visitors this month, including a new temporary exhibit, special event days for scouts, homeschoolers, and locals, as well as the return of a popular guest speaker in commemoration of 9/11. The new exhibit, titled “Burden of Proof: The Case Against James Earl Ray,” opens on August 15, 2025, and will remain on display for one year.
“This exhibit is timely, considering the newly released government files on the assassination of Dr. King,” said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s an important case in American history, and the public remains haunted by the tragedy, so this exhibit will be one that people don’t want to miss.”
The new exhibit will explore the life of assassin James Earl Ray, featuring a range of artifacts including his watch and personal items from his prison cell. It will also display handwritten calligraphy from Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the time of his assassination in 1968. The exhibit is included with general admission.
On July 21, 2025, the Trump Administration released previously classified records concerning the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. According to the records, King was assassinated shortly after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. The report identifies a single shooter, James Earl Ray, as responsible for the killing. At the time, Ray, a 40-year-old who was convicted armed robber, was an escapee from the Missouri State Penitentiary. He later pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced to 99 years in prison, although he subsequently recanted his plea and claimed innocence.
The government investigation indicates that the civil rights leader was killed with a single shot, fired from the bathroom window of a room rented by Ray, located near the hotel where Dr. Kingwas standing outside. Additionally, the report shows that Ray had purchased the rifle used in the assassination.
“This is also going to be a month filled with opportunities for various members of the public,” said Pennington. “We are looking forward to hosting groups and those looking to hear the experience shared by our returning guest speaker, Arthur Bohanan, as he recalls his involvement in the cleanup effort following the 9/11 attacks.”
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has the following additional upcoming events planned:
- Scout Appreciation Days – August 23-24, 2025, and September 6-7, 2025. All boys and girls visiting the museum in their scouting uniform or who provide proof of being a scout member will receive a discounted ticket rate of only $12, plus tax, per person. Adults and guests accompanying scouts will qualify for the same rate. There will be an option to purchase an Alcatraz East scout participation badge for only $3 during those days.
- Homeschool Days –All homeschoolers will receive a discounted ticket rate of only $12, plus tax, per person on weekdays in September 2025. The rate will extend to those attending with them, including adults, chaperones, friends, etc. There is also a special homeschool group rate of only $10, plus tax, per person. Groups must be scheduled in advance and have a minimum of 10 people to qualify for the discounted rate.
- Local Appreciation Days – Residents of Knox, Jefferson, Cocke, and Blount Counties can take advantage of the discounted admission rate of only $15, plus tax, per person from September 12-21, 2025. Guests must show proof of residency with an identification or a pay stub.
- 9/11 Guest Speaker – Hear the fascinating details regarding his involvement in the 9/11 aftermath investigation, as returning speaker Arthur Bohanan holds a special talk on September 6, 2025. The talk, “Forensics at Ground Zero: Disaster Response after September 11,” will be held from noon until 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The talk is included with the regular admission ticket.
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open daily at 10 a.m. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
About Alcatraz East
Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime-solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages – so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is at The Island’s entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.
Sources:
National Archives.Findings on MLK Assassination.https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/select-committee-report/part-2a.html
