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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.

Woman sits in an office near flowers.

Inspiring Hope: Female volunteers help incarcerated population

Since establishing the state prison system in the 1850s, good-hearted neighbors have voluntarily stepped inside to help the incarcerated population....

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Photo of Walter Gordon in 1918 football uniform and a photo taken later of him sitting at a desk.

Walter Gordon helped shape California’s parole system

While working to earn his law degree, Walter Gordon Jr. became Berkeley's first African American police officer in 1919. Gordon...

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Three photos of Richard Nelson show him in 1959, 1969 and 2019.

Late AW Richard Nelson saved prison history

Richard "Dick" Nelson began his career as a Correctional Officer at Folsom State Prison in 1959. He retired in 1998...

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Prison guard Henry Herrill and his wife along with a photo of Herrill in an early Knights of Pythias uniform.

Early prison guard HC Herrill exemplified community involvement

As part of an ongoing effort to tell the forgotten stories of early prison staff, Inside CDCR takes a closer...

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San Quentin social hall in 1919 shows flags and garland.

Revisiting spirit of prison Christmases past

Connecting through shared experiences, especially holidays, is seen as part of the rehabilitation process. Since the early years at California's...

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Mugshots of 17-year-old Joseph Hoey from San Quentin in 1891.

San Quentin archives: Accountant, teen, Civil War veteran

In 1891, three incarcerated men sat for their photos, later to become permanent records in the San Quentin archives. Each...

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A stamped piece of copper shows a cartoon character wearing a baseball uniform. In the background is an areal photo of Folsom Prison.

Behind the Photo: SF Giants artwork from Folsom Prison

A piece of art came to Inside CDCR's attention. Originally believed to have been purchased at a San Francisco art...

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Eleanor Roosevelt walks near the photography department at San Quentin prison in 1943.

When Eleanor Roosevelt visited San Quentin

CDCR's photographic archive often leaves staff with more questions than answers. One such photo is that of First Lady Eleanor...

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A prison gate in the background with two grainy photos of a prison guard.

Correctional Officer Jolly survived slashed throat, shooting during 33 years

Correctional Officer Charles H. Jolly gave up his first career as a grocer after a devastating fire destroyed the Folsom...

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Bandit mughsot of Tiburcio Vasquez and camels.

Notorious bandit’s fate tied to failed Army camel corps

Tiburcio Vasquez, an outlaw who plundered Central and Southern California for two decades, may owe his capture to a long...

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