This museum is just inside the visitor gate, across from the Handicraft Store. On display are artifacts dating from the 1800s, along with photographs and actual prisoner-made weapons. All reflect the prison's bloody past. Construction began in 1878 and the first prisoners arrived in July 1880. Built of native stone, it was designed to be escape-proof and very few convicts have made it past these walls.
Visitors can view a video tour of the old and new prisons.
A recorded story of living conditions in the original prison is narrated by a mannequin reminiscent of the 1890's. Souvenirs on prison history are for sale. The museum is a non-profit corporation and its operation by volunteers is dedicated to correctional employees who have died of cancer. The prison is east of Folsom City Hall, north off Natoma Street.