The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States, examines Alcatraz island as a military prison and federal penitentiary within the context of incarceration in the U.S. where currently 2.3 million people are behind bars, more than any other country in the world.

The exhibit takes a look at the disproportionate number of people of color, low literacy and those born into poverty that are in jail and prison. It looks at who is harmed, who bears the costs and how we can deter and prevent people from being put back into the system. Finally, The Big Lockup asks: Is there a better way?

The National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy consulted with other museums, institutions and experts in the field of criminal justice and incarceration.

For more information visit: www.nps.gov/alca/exhibit_thebiglockup.htm