Why Every CSI Buff Should Put Alcatraz East Crime Museum on their Fall To-Do List
CSI fans get a hands-on experience at the popular crime museum
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (September 28, 2018) – Millions of people are self-described CSI buffs. They love the intrigue, story, and mystery that goes along with trying to solve a crime. This fall, many of those CSI buffs should put making a stop at Alcatraz East Crime Museum on their to-do list. It’s a stop that won’t disappoint, as it gives visitors the chance to learn the ins and outs of forensic investigation.
“Our visitors are big CSI fans, and often say it’s their favorite gallery in the museum,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “From a crime scene investigation lab, to an area on cold cases, our guests see how what they watch on tv applies in the real world.”
Here are the top reasons why every CSI buff should put a stop at the museum on their fall to-do list:
- Insider look. Throughout the museum, guests gain a better understanding of the concepts that are a part of crime prevention, investigation, and punishment. Visitors follow the criminal process in not just what happens after the crime has been solved, but through our courts and prison system.
- Step into the scene. Visitors to the CSI gallery can explore how evidence such as fingerprints, footprint impressions and DNA is collected, ballistic evidence is processed, and autopsies determine cause of death. The gallery even includes a display on Dr. William M. Bass and his work in forensic anthropology.
- Learn the lingo. Those who visit the museum will be brought up to speed on the forensic terms used such as loop, whorl, and arch for fingerprint patterns and the difference between ballistics and firearms identification.
- Explore true crime. The museum is filled with true crime stories and artifacts. Guests walking the halls have the opportunity to explore a variety of cases and learn how they were solved.
- How to get into forensics. Crime Scene Investigator is just one of the many careers within the field of forensic science. Guests can learn about the other career paths available in law enforcement and a crime lab.
“We give CSI fans a chance to view the evidence that put dangerous criminals away, and learn the methods used by investigators in an interactive setting,” added Penman. “Visitors can test the information they already know, and can have a great story to tell all of their other CSI fan friends when they return home.”
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum will also be opening a temporary exhibit on the Second Amendment on Friday, October 5, 2018. The exhibit will be open for one year, featuring the history of the amendment and the evolution of American firearms. Additional temporary exhibits include “It Happened Here: Tennessee Crimes & Justice,” which will be open until May 2019, and features artifacts from Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, James Earl Ray, and Sheriff Buford Pusser.
The museum is always adding to its collection, and has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.
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 located at the entrance of The Island, located at 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. General admission tickets are $14.95 for children, $24.95 for adults. Group ticket sales are available. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last ticket sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.
