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.
A tale of confidence men, swindlers, and a clairvoyant crime ring are part of the historical fabric of San Quentin....
Read More About San Quentin and the case of the clairvoyant crime ring
Celebratory events marking Easter have long played a rehabilitative role in California prisons to help reentry efforts.
Read More About California prisons have long celebrated Easter
On June 4, 1973, Trella Robertson was hired as the first female correctional officer at Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI) in...
Read More About 1973: DVI’s first female officer reports for duty
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center was California's first institution to incarcerate those who've been convicted of breaking laws.
In honor of Black History Month, Inside CDCR looks at the career of California's first black parole administrator and prison...
Descendants of Frank Seppi, incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison in 1903, recently contacted the prison museum to learn more...
Passed in 1893, the state's parole law was tested many times during its first year in 1894 with 15 people...
This year marks 80 years of reform, evolving into today's CDCR. Throughout 2024, Inside CDCR will look at landmark moments...
After California passed the parole law in 1893, the first four people earned parole: Henry Haas, James Capell, Thomas Garity,...
Read More About 1893: Meet the first four people to earn parole
The world was forever changed after the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said,...