Alcatraz East Crime Museum will be offering special summer displays, shedding light on the sexual assault crimes involving the USA Gymnastics national team doctor and the 25th anniversary of Nicole Brown Simpson’s murder.
New Exhibits
This summer Alcatraz East Crime Museum continues to roll out new exhibits for visitors. There will be two displays, both aimed at teaching visitors about headline cases. These displays focus on the 25th anniversary of Nicole Brown Simpson’s murder, and the sexual assault crimes that involved the USA Gymnastics team doctor.
“We try to keep up with important cases that change the national conversation,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “Both of these cases involve crimes that were hidden for a long time. The more we can share their stories, hopefully more people will find the courage to step forward in their own lives.”
Larry Nassar Exhibit
Starting June 10, 2019, Alcatraz East will add the case against Larry Nassar. NASA was the USA Gymnastics national team doctor from 1996-2014, and a former doctor at Michigan State University. Nassar’s violations of underage girls in disguise of medical treatment went back at least 30 years. In 2017, he plead guilty to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with minors. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina invited accusers to speak during the sentencing and over 200 women gave victim impact statements, including Olympians. On January 24, 2018 Judge Aquilina sentenced Nassar to 45-175 years in prison.
Alexis Alvarado was a diver and gymnast who was first violated by Nassar when she was 12-years-old. The museum will feature a new display including a leotard that Alvarado used to compete. Also on display will be her Arthur Ashe Courage Award trophy. She was among 140 survivors who appeared onstage to receive the honor at the ESPY Awards. While other items from Alvarado will be on display, the ESPY trophy will only be on view through the summer.
“It was such an honor to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award along with my sister survivors, says Alvarado. “I hope sharing it with the public will help inspire others to speak out and hold offenders and institutions accountable.”
More to See
This summer, Alcatraz East is also offering a temporary exhibit of Nicole Brown Simpson. Murdered 25 years ago on June 12, 1994, Nicole would have celebrated her 60th birthday on May 19. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is focusing on Nicole with “Passion for Life: Nicole Brown Simpson.” The exhibit includes personal items, such as favorite pieces of clothing, jewelry, a poem written by Nicole that was read at her funeral, as well as family photos. The exhibit will run through August 17.
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