Photo courtesy of Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Think of the American mob and organized crime, and names like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and John Gotti come to mind. It will also conjure up RICO (the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) for those who know crime history. Both are an important part of the country’s crime history and will be featured in a temporary exhibit at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. The exhibit, called “RICO: Prosecuting the American Mob,” will run from September 15, 2023, through December 15, 2023.
“The American mob and organized crime is something that many people find interesting,” says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We are pleased to be able to put it in the spotlight and give people a chance to learn more about how the RICO Act worked to bring the mob down.”
The temporary exhibit will share details about what the mob was, where the influence was felt, and more. There will also be authentic artifacts on display, including a bowtie belonging to Meyer Lansky, a barstool from the Little Apalachin Conference, and a baseball cap that belonged to John Gotti.
The exhibit will also share with guests how the government employed the RICO Act to bring down the leaders of the mob. The law defines 35 offenses connected to an enterprise, including racketeering, gambling, bribery, mail and wire fraud, and murder. Museum guests will learn about the mob’s rise to prominence in the country and how the RICO Act took it on and brought down some of the most well-known organized crime families in New York City. The exhibit will be included in the regular admission fee.
“We have a lot going on, so it’s an exciting time to visit the museum,” says Lauren Mack, sales manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “Whether you come in to learn about organized crime history, hear Arthur Bohanan speak, or participate in local appreciation days, there’s something for everyone!”
On September 10, 2023, Arthur Bohanan will give a special presentation. As a forensics expert, he will share his experience from ground zero, where he helped identify human remains at the World Trade Center in the wake of the September 11 attack. His talk will feature his feelings about working at the scene and how first responders have been impacted by the hazardous conditions they endured. Seating for the talk is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited.
Locals will be able to enjoy this temporary exhibit at a discount. Alcatraz East Crime Museum will host Local Appreciation Days from September 22, 2023, through October 1, 2023. General admission tickets are only $12 for all ages.To get the discounted price, guests must present their identification or paystub when purchasing the tickets. The event is open to all residents and employees who live in Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Knox, or Sevier County, as well as any State Welcome Center Employees. The rate cannot be combined with any other discounts. The tickets provide full access to all the museum has to offer.
The museum is also hosting Homeschool Days in September and October, giving homeschoolers the opportunity to explore the history of crime in the country, as well as law enforcement, and learn about forensic science. Homeschoolers will receive a discounted admission rate of only $12, or $10 per person for groups of 10 or more that make arrangements in advance. The promotional rates are only available during the week when school is in session, and cannot be combined with other discounts. To make advanced group registration and sign up for emails to be notified of special events, visit the site at: https://www.alcatrazeast.com/homeschool-days/
The museum features over 100 exhibits, with many famous items on display, including Ted Bundy’s famous Beetle and the white Bronco from the O.J. Simpson chase. They also hold an annual art contest that puts graffiti in the spotlight. This top museum is open at 10 a.m. daily. 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. 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 was with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided in the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
