Prison Museum

Trip Start Sep 07, 2004

Trip End Aug 25, 2010

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Flag of Canada Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Monday, October 31, 2005

I decided to spend a few hours of my Halloween day in the Prison Museum. I'd never been before even though I lived so close to it for four years I could see the roof from my window, literally part of my backyard! Lucky I went when I did because it was the last day before closing for the winter, and they gave me candy!
Kingston is quite known for the number of prisons. I can't name them all but here are some: Kingston Penitentiary, Collins' Bay, Millhaven, Joyceville, Prison for Women. The Women's Prison actually was closed in the early 90s because it wasn't needed anymore. The building still stands and is being bought by Queen's University, last I heard for archives.
I've heard rumors about underground tunnels that connect the prisons and the old asylum. This was confirmed during my visit to the museum but I couldn't see them. Maybe they'll do a tour in the summer months

Handcuffs

. It's still thrilling to imagine all that would have gone on in those underground halls.

Recommended Read: The Convict Lover by Merilyn Simonds 10/10
A true story about a prisoner in Kingston Pen just after WWI. Amazing true description of Kingston and Portsmouth Village.

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