KNKX premiers Forgotten Prison on Jan. 22, a new podcast featuring McNeil Island — the Alcatraz you've never heard of.
The six-part series, in partnership with the Washington State History Museum, gives listeners an in-depth look at the island located in South Puget Sound, where a now-abandoned prison operated for 136 years. Today, it’s home to the Special Commitment Center, which houses the state’s “sexually violent predators.”
Forgotten Prison tells the stories of inmates, guards and children who grew up on the island. Hosts and KNKX reporters Simone Alicea and Paula Wissel explore the history of this forgotten place to learn about how and why we lock people up.
The first episode is available Jan. 22. You can subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and Google Play. The podcast accompanies an exhibit at the state history museum in Tacoma. It's open to the public Jan. 26—May 26.
Forgotten Prison receives financial support from a Humanities Washington grant.
