Unlocking History
Using extensive research culled from historical records, Inside CDCR explores the rich history of the people, places and programs that helped shape the modern state correctional system.
The Preston School of Industry in Ione regularly observed patriotic holidays with decorations and activities. Opened in 1894, the facility...
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recognized their 75th year of operations with a ceremony in the memorial garden of institution grounds...
Read More About Correctional Training Facility marks 75 years of service
The first female correctional officers were hired to work in California's male prisons in the early 1970s. But, women have...
Read More About Support to custody: Early female prison staff
Since establishing the state prison system in the 1850s, good-hearted neighbors have voluntarily stepped inside to help the incarcerated population....
Read More About Inspiring Hope: Female volunteers help incarcerated
While working to earn his law degree, Walter Gordon Jr. became Berkeley's first African American police officer in 1919. Gordon...
Richard "Dick" Nelson began his career as a Correctional Officer at Folsom State Prison in 1959. He retired in 1998...
As part of an ongoing effort to tell the forgotten stories of early prison staff, Inside CDCR takes a closer...
Read More About Guard HC Herrill exemplified community involvement
Connecting through shared experiences, especially holidays, is seen as part of the rehabilitation process. Since the early years at California's...
Read More About Revisiting spirit of prison Christmases past
In 1891, three incarcerated men sat for their photos, later to become permanent records in the San Quentin archives. Each...
Read More About San Quentin archives: Accountant, teen, Civil War veteran
A piece of art came to Inside CDCR's attention. Originally believed to have been purchased at a San Francisco art...
Read More About Behind the Photo: SF Giants artwork from Folsom Prison