After 88 Years, Bonnie and Clyde Still a Popular Duo in American History

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (October 4, 2022) – Considered by some to be the most romanticized criminals in the country's history, Bonnie and Clyde were killed by authorities in 1934. A posse of lawmen led by former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer opened fire on their vehicle, bringing the crime spree to an end. Despite the many decades that have passed, people around the country are still fascinated by the duo. The Alcatraz East Crime Museum will offer a temporary exhibit on Bonnie and Clyde starting October 21, 2022, and running through September 30, 2024. 

"Many people find this story captivating, back then and still today," says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager for Alcatraz East Crime Museum. "We have some intriguing artifacts on display for guests to check out in this exhibit."

Some of the original objects that will be a part of the display include:

• 1st Edition Copy of Fugitives: The Story of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker by Clyde’s sister Nell Barrow Cowan
• Original Bonnie and Clyde Wanted Poster
• Tile From Lancaster Bank, the only bank the Barrow gang, robbed in Texas
• Clyde Barrow Payroll Slips

The criminal career of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow is one for the record books. Often referred to as the “King and Queen of the Dirty Thirties," Bonnie and Clyde met just three years before their demise on May 23, 1934. They gained lasting media attention as fashion-forward anti-heroes, despite the fear they struck in civilians and law enforcement alike. In 1933, at the height of their careers, the Great Depression still ravaged the country, and many Americans saw banks and the government as their enemies. The general population thought of criminals like the Barrow gang as heroes fighting against such institutions. 

There is more to this duo than bank robberies and cigar smoke. A peek behind the headlines reveals more to this story than meets the eye. In this temporary exhibit, learn more about the pair’s childhood ambitions, early experiences, and the events that led them to their life of crime. This display will also feature artifacts from their lives and the many pop culture mediums that have kept their legacy alive. 

"Anyone interested in depression-era history and crime in America will not want to miss this exhibit," added Pennington. 

The museum has over 100 temporary and permanent exhibits about crime in the country. The museum features information and artifacts about the history of crime, crime scene investigation, consequences of crime, crime-fighting, counterfeit crimes, pop culture, and more. There are numerous popular items on display for people to see, including the famous white Bronco from the O.J. Simpson chase and Ted Bundy's famous Beetle. 

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts that 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 was with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided in the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.

This top museum is open at 10 am daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events for an additional fee. For more information about tickets, discounts, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.

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 located 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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