Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, will open a temporary exhibit on October 10, 2020, on Ted Bundy’s final arrest and links to pornography concerns
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (September 30, 2020) – A temporary exhibit will open October 10, 2020, at Alcatraz East Crime Museum titled, From Car to Incarceration: Ted Bundy’s Final Arrest. Bundy was known as one of the most notorious serial killers of the 20th century, and his crimes are still discussed in books and films today. The exhibit will feature information about his final murders, arrest, conviction, and death. This exhibit also spotlights that a serial killer can look just like anyone else in your community, and provides warnings against pornography addiction.
“This is such an important part of our country’s crime history, because it reminds us to take measures to keep safe,” says Candice Cook, director of operations at Alcatraz East. “In addition, we hope this exhibit helps raise awareness on fighting the $15 billion dollar pornography addiction our country faces.”
Ted Bundy’s heinous crimes spanned cross-country. His first arrest was in Utah in August 1975, but he managed to flee and continue his crime spree until his final arrest in Florida on February 15, 1978. Bundy had two Florida trials, one in Miami, for his murders around Florida State University and one in Orlando, for the murder of his last victim, 12-year-old, Kimberly Leach.
As is true for many other criminals, Bundy’s final arrest was made in a traffic stop by Pensacola Police Officer, David Lee.
“It’s important for people to remember that many hardened criminals are caught from a routine traffic stop, said Cook. “Bundy was on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, and yet his final arrest was done by an unsuspecting patrol officer.”
While the museum’s collection includes existing Bundy objects like his 1968 VW Bug, this two-year exhibit includes:
- Bundy’s dental cast used in the Miami trial
- Prison letters
- Pensacola Police Uniform
The day before Bundy was put to death, he gave an interview where he warned people about the dangers of pornography. He explained that pornography wasn’t to blame for what he did but stated that it contributed to his violence. Bundy warned to beware of pornography and graphic television content, as he felt this started his vicious behaviors.
According to varying sources, the pornography industry is estimated to be a $15 billion dollar industry in the United States and $97 billion worldwide, those numbers are expected to increase with the COVID shelter-in-place mandates.
The museum partnered with several resources to provide information and assistance to victims or volunteers. Here are some of the startling statistics provided by Cultured Reframed:
- Porn sites get more visitors each month than Netflix, Amazon, and Twitter combined
- About one-third of all web downloads in the U.S. are porn-related
- Pornhub — self-described as “the world’s leading free porn site”— received 42 billion visits in 2019
- 50% of parents underestimate how much porn their teens have seen
- 39% of 14-year-olds report having seen porn, with about one-third of young people saying they had seen it for the first time at age 12 or younger
- Minors who view pornography and other sexualized media are more accepting of sexual violence, and more likely to believe “rape myths” (such as the myth that “women enjoy being raped”)
- Increased use of online porn decreases boys’ academic performance six months later
- 15 is the average of age of receiving a sext
- 75% of 18-year-old women say “pornography has led to pressure on girls and young women to act a certain way”
- 70% of 18-year-olds say “pornography leads to unrealistic attitudes” about sex and that “pornography can have a damaging impact on young people’s views of sex or relationships”
- In a study of young teens, 66 percent of boys reported porn consumption in the past year; this early porn exposure was correlated with perpetration of sexual harassment
To learn more about the Ted Bundy temporary exhibit, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com/
This year Alcatraz East also has a new temporary exhibit in partnership with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, featuring their most famous cases and the work they do across the state every day. There is also a new pop up display on the 19th Amendment at the museum that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the amendment giving women the right to vote.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has COVID-19 safety measures in place to help keep people safer, including a new mascot named “Doc” (law enforcement lingo for Department of Corrections). Throughout the museum, people will see signage and friendly safety reminders from Doc. The museum’s updated safety measures include reduced hours, enhanced cleaning, spatial distancing protocols, employee health screenings and employee PPE. Guests are encouraged to review all safety rules prior to their visit on their web page devoted to COVID-19: https://www.alcatrazeast.com/
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden; Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief; and Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com. Please check out our traveling safe page with more safety tips and information: www.crimemuseum.org/help-the-
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 entrance of The Island, located at 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. General admission tickets are $14.95 for children and $26.95 for adults. Group ticket sales are available. Guests are encouraged to check the website prior to visiting for reduced hours, as a result of COVID-19. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.
