Every year, thousands of violent crimes go unsolved. As time goes on, leads run dry, and many of these crimes turn into “cold cases,” only to go unsolved for good. However, as technology advances, there are some glimmers of hope as previously unsolved cases are resolved. A new permanent display opening at Alcatraz East Crime Museum will spotlight cold cases, both those that have been solved and those that remain unsolved. The display will open to the public on September 26, 2025.
"Cold cases can be solved years, even decades, after they occur thanks to the work of diligent investigators and new technology,” said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “With this exhibit, we will share both solved and unsolved cases, and we want people to know that much is being done to solve cold cases every day."
The new permanent display will feature details and artifacts related to the solved case of Natalie Holloway and the unsolved case of Stephen Smith, among others. Holloway went missing while on a graduation trip to Aruba in 2005 and was legally declared dead in 2012. While her remains were never found, Joran Van der Sloot admitted to killing her in 2023. Smith was found dead in 2015 on a rural road in South Carolina. While it was initially believed to be a hit-and-run, it was later reclassified as a homicide, and the case is still being actively investigated.
According to the National Institute of Justice, a substantial number of violent crime cold cases are being solved. This is due to advances in technology that enable the review of evidence in a new light. There have been advances in analyzing DNA that have led to cold cases being solved, which brings much-awaited closure and relief to the families of the victims who’ve never given up on finding answers.
"After so many years of unanswered questions, having a resolution brings a measure of peace — but the loss of Natalee will always be with me. I hope that by telling her story, we can help others find justice and remind the world how important it is to travel safely and look out for one another,” said Beth Holloway, Natalee’s mother.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum invites locals to visit at a discounted rate during Local Appreciation Days, held September 12-21, 2025. During these days, those who show their local identification or pay stub upon purchasing their ticket will be eligible for the discounted rate of only $15 per person, plus tax. This gives locals access to all the museum has to offer, with something for every member of the family. Those who live in or work in Sevier, Knox, Jefferson, Cocke, or Blount counties are eligible.
They are also inviting homeschoolers to take part in their Homeschool Days, held Monday through Friday in September and October 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm. Special ticket rates are available for only $12, plus tax per person, or $10, plus tax per person for groups of 10 or more with advanced registration. Attendees will need to provide proof of homeschooling. The rate includes homeschool students, chaperones, and others who tag along. This provides students with access to numerous fun and memorable educational exhibits, including those focusing on forensic science, law enforcement, crime history, and more. There are also interactive exhibits to explore.
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 at 10 am 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. 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 offers, visit the site: https://www.
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.
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Sources:
National Institute of Justice. Cold Case Investigations.https://nij.
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