September 11th marks the 25th anniversary of the deadliest attack in United States History. The coordinated attacks against the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and the crash of Flight 93 will be the focus of a new temporary exhibit at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. In addition, there will be a special film shown throughout the month and a speaker event, as well as days that celebrate locals, homeschoolers, and scouts.
“The anniversary of the 9/11 attack is one that we always need to remember,” said Ally Mills, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We hope to provide individuals with a place they can go in remembrance of the attacks, loss, and bravery of that date, not just this month, but every day.”
One of the most devastating attacks on American soil, the losses that occurred on September 11, 2001, will be the focus of the new temporary exhibit that will be on display for the next year. The exhibit will look at what led up to the attacks, al-Qaeda, the intelligence challenges surrounding that day, the lives lost, and the aftermath for the American people. Objects that will be on display in the exhibit include Ranger Firemaster Boots, a Rob O’Neil signed “Never Forget” trading card, and a 9/11 DMORT Uniform.
Throughout the month of September 2026, there will also be a special film shown that is included with the general admission ticket. The Federal Bureau of Investigation film focuses on the investigation of Flight 93, which was hijacked by terrorists and then crashed into a field in Pennsylvania when passengers fought back against the hijackers.
Arthur M. Bohanan will also return to Alcatraz East Crime Museum as a special guest speaker. He is a sixth-generation Sevier County native who was one of the first six responders from Tennessee to work at Ground Zero. A Certified Latent Print Examiner and Senior Forensic Examiner, Art and his team were tasked with recovering and identifying victims of the World Trade Center attacks. Throughout his career, he worked with the Knoxville Police Department while developing additional forensic techniques that researchers continue to use today. He will be sharing his experience working in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and taking questions from the audience. Bohanan will be discussing his firsthand experiences as a member of the Ground Zero forensic team, and the impact of the team’s work following the tragedy.
Event times for the Forensics at Ground Zero: Disaster Response after September 11th talk will take place on 9/12/26 from noon until 12:30 pm, and from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm. The event is included in the regular admission ticket, but seating is limited.
“We have a lot going on this month and want to invite everyone to stop in,” said Ally Mills, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s also going to be a busy month at the museum with deals for locals, homeschoolers, and scouts. There’s always something to learn about crime history and the important role law enforcement plays.”
There will be special Scouts Days held on September 12-13, 2026. All scouts and their chaperones and tag-alongs will get a discounted admission rate of only $12 per person. Scouts will need to show proof of their membership or wear their scouting uniform to get the discounted rate.
Locals Appreciation Days will be held September 18-30, 2026, with all tickets being only $15 per person. The discount is open to those who live in the counties of Sevier, Knox, Jefferson, Cocke, or Blount. To redeem the discount at the ticket counter, locals must show their proof of residency or employment in one of the local counties.
Homeschool Days will continue through September and October 2026, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. All homeschoolers are invited to get a discounted admission ticket during this time of only $12 per person. Groups of 10 or more that book ahead will be eligible for a rate of only $10 per person. All guests will need to show their proof of homeschooling intent or their homeschool identification in order to get the discounted ticket rate.
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.
