Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, is putting STEM in the spotlight
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (November 6, 2024)– Alcatraz East Crime Museum is inviting people to observe National STEM Day with them on November 8, 2024. On that day, they will highlight STEM activities and allow people to learn more about STEM careers in law enforcement and beyond. All activities will be included in the general admission ticket price, adding to the over 100 exhibits and activities for guests to participate in during their visit.
“STEM careers are all around us even though we may not realize it,” says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We are happy to help put this important topic in the spotlight and help people learn more about how they can get involved.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, National STEM/STEAM Day is celebrated each year on November 8. It is a day dedicated to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The observance was started to help attract and train young workers in these fields.
To help make the day fun and provide STEM learning opportunities, Alcatraz East Crime Museum will host labs in the lobby from 10 am to 4 pm related to latent fingerprints and buoyancy and how they play a role in forensic investigations. They will also highlight the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the vital work that the agency does in researching and protecting marine life and habitats. The government agency’s mission is to enrich life through science.
NOAA employs over 12,000 people worldwide, including over 6,700 scientists and engineers with a variety of backgrounds, such as biologists, oceanographers, and veterinarians. The agency’s Office of Law Enforcement helps protect marine life by apprehending and prosecuting those who threaten these ecosystems. The agency employs individuals with investigative and police backgrounds who work alongside those in the scientific divisions.
“This is a great day to expose kids to STEM careers,” said Pennington. “We look forward to observing this day with our guests!”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow at twice the overall employment rate through 2031. Many careers in STEM require a bachelor’s degree or higher, while there is also a growing need for technician occupations that do not require a college degree.
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, 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.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 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 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.
