The nation is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is honoring America’s Semiquincentennial by putting the role law enforcement has played throughout history in the spotlight. Law enforcement has played a significant part in keeping order and freedom alive in the country, which will be explored in the new temporary exhibit titled “Enforcing Freedom: 250 Years of American Law Enforcement.” The exhibit will open July 3, 2026, and remain through December 2026.
“Law enforcement is tasked with keeping our communities safe, and the history of law enforcement is an important part of our nation’s story,” said Ally Mills, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “Officers help to maintain peace and order, and provide life-saving assistance that can’t be found elsewhere.”
The significant role law enforcement has had during the history of the country will be featured in the new temporary exhibit at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. It will explore how they have helped protect the nation’s ideals, as well as share the ways they have evolved right alongside the country. Over the 250 years of America, they have handled an ever-changing range of public protection issues, including organized crime, civil rights, cybercrimes, fraud, terrorism, and more. They have also dealt with the country’s mental health crisis and help to protect the constitution, all while dealing with issues related to fairness and accountability.
In today’s America, there is law enforcement from sea to shining sea, including those on the local and state level, federal agencies, and tribal police. Collectively, they work to keep the public safe and help protect the freedoms that the constitution guarantees to all citizens. The new exhibit will share with visitors how law enforcement has evolved since the beginning of the country and the important role they play.
The exhibit will feature several artifacts, including:
- “The Peacemaker” Colt Revolver
- 1880s NYPD Roundsman Hat
- Melvin Purvis Signed Envelope
“We invite everyone to come check out the new exhibit and learn more about how law enforcement helps to protect our liberties,” continues Mills. “We are excited to share in the celebration of 250 years of this great nation!”
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, they are the oldest law enforcement agency in the United States. The agency was formed in 1789, with their primary function to be providing law enforcement. The original vision of the U.S. Marshal Service was outlined by President George Washington. The law enforcement agency played an important role during the first census in 1790 and in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, when the government enforced an unpopular tax on whiskey.
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives, as well as four temporary exhibit spaces, showcasing many famous items, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open daily at 10 am. 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 has to offer, visit the website: 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.
