Local appreciation days at Alcatraz East Crime Museum

(PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE – A new crime exhibits and ways to save greet guests to the Alcatraz Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge this February.

The crime museum has $15 tickets for locals during the month of February.

This month is the anniversary of a crime that brought attention to suicide and the consequences of not helping someone dealing with that crisis.

The museum is highlighting the indictment of Michelle Carter and role she played in the death of her suicidal boyfriend., Conrad Roy III.

“The death of Conrad Roy III hits home for a lot of people. We are so honored to share his story and raise awareness for families who may have loved ones struggling with similar things,” said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s an ideal time to put this type of crime in the spotlight and remind people to be mindful of what they send others.”

According to news sources, Michelle Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter as a result of text messages she sent her suicidal boyfriend. In the messages, she encouraged him to commit suicide, even after he expressed second thoughts about carrying out the act. She was sentenced to 15 months in prison but was released early for good behavior in 2020. 

The museum is refreshing some of the artifacts related to the case, including adding Roy’s captain’s license and baseball glove. The items are being added to the white-collar crimes section of the museum. They are also adding new artifacts to other exhibits, including a high school yearbook from the Heaven’s Gate leader Marshall Applewhite, a stoneware mug from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and a recovered tile from a bank robbed by the notorious duo Bonnie and Clyde.

“We love our locals and homeschool families and are holding special days to celebrate them at the museum,” Pennington said. “These days provide them with an opportunity to score a discounted admission ticket that they won’t want to miss.”

Locals can get discounted tickets throughout the month of February 2026, paying only $15 per person, plus tax for a general admission ticket. The discount is open to all residents who live or work in the counties of Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier. Guests must present their identification or paystub to redeem the discount offer at the box office.