Enriching Education - Alcatraz East Crime Museum Kicks Off 2026 with Free Book Club, Homeschool Days, and Law Enforcement Appreciation

 According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of U.S. adults make a New Year’s resolution—and reading is a popular goal for 2026. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is helping readers stick to that resolution with its free, online Crime Museum Book Club. In addition, the museum will celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and host Homeschool Days in January and February.

 

"We are thrilled to give people a fun and meaningful way to read more," said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “The discussions around each book really keep participants engaged and excited for the next selection.”

 

The Crime Museum Book Club is free and open to the public. Those interested can join the group on Facebook, where the book selections are announced at the beginning of each month. This allows readers to find the book and read at their own pace while joining in on the discussion. Members of the book club can also enjoy supplemental content such as documentaries, podcasts, and films related to each selection. 

 

The book club discussions explore American true crime history, law enforcement, survivor stories, and the broader impact of crime. The January 2026 selection is “Poison Candy – The Murderous Madam: Inside Dalia Dippolito’s Plot to Kill,” by Elizabeth Parker, which highlights an undercover law enforcement operation that stopped a murder-for-hire plot. This book was chosen in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The February 2026 book pick, in honor of Black History Month, is “The Rope: A True Story of Murder, Heroism, and the Dawn of the NAACP,” by Alex Tresnowski.

 

"There is always something happening at the museum," Pennington said. "We invite everyone to get involved, learn something new, and make 2026 a great year.”

 

On January 9, 2026, Alcatraz East Crime Museum will recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by offering free admission to all law enforcement officers. Law enforcement officers may also bring up to four guests at a discounted rate of $10 plus tax per person.

 

Alcatraz East will host its annual Homeschool Days throughout January and February 2026. Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 3 pm homeschoolers will receive a discounted admission rate of $12 per person, plus tax. Groups of 10 or more who book in advance will pay $10 per person, plus tax. To arrange for a group visit, contact Rhiannon at groupsales@alcatrazeast.com or (865) 328-0476.Proof of homeschooling is required, which may include a letter of intent/or verification of homeschool enrollment from a school district, homeschool co-op identification, or proof of enrollment in an umbrella program.

 

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.

 

About Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can embark on a unique journey through the history of American crime, crime-solving, and the 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.

 

 

 

Source:

Pew Research Center. New Year’s resolutions: Who makes them and why. January 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/29/new-years-resolutions-who-makes-them-and-why/