Sing Sing at 200: A Message from Brent D. Glass

This month marks Sing Sing Prison’s 200th anniversary. I always expected there would be more attention to this important milestone. Unfortunately, the events of the past few months—the murder of an incarcerated man at Marcy Correctional Facility; the wildcat strike of correction officers; the lockdown at Sing Sing and other state prisons—led to a decision by state officials to postpone any commemorations until a normal routine is restored including programs that support education and rehabilitation. This is the right course of action for all concerned.

At the museum, we continue to plan and create a full slate of activities in this anniversary year—walking tours, public lectures, performances and special events. Our first exhibition will open in Ossining’s Olive Opera House in the fall. We will launch a new membership program and continue to produce our popular e-newsletter. An initiative on religion and prisons is underway with generous funding from Lilly Endowment.

Is it possible to build a criminal justice museum at a moment when violence and conflict dominate the news about the state’s carceral system? Will our programs and exhibits engage and educate our audience about complex issues that have persisted for two centuries? Our board and staff are well aware of the challenges involved in achieving an ambitious mission. They share my belief that history is a relevant resource that helps us understand our own times. I am personally committed to creating an institution that offers a platform for the wide variety of perspectives that have defined our quest for justice in a democracy. I am convinced that we will become a leader in the national conversation about the purpose of prisons and make a positive contribution toward building a more just society.

​Readers of this column are encouraged to respond. Thank you.

Brent D. Glass

Executive Director of Sing Sing Prison Museum​