National Museum of Crime & Punishment Unlocking on May 23, 2008

 DC’s Newest Museum Sheds Light on Crime and Punishment in America.

Washington, DC – The National Museum of Crime & Punishment (NMCP) unlocks its doors to the public, Friday, May 23^rd inviting guests to discover crime and punishment in America through DC’s newest interactive museum.

Owned and operated by Orlando businessman John Morgan in partnership with John Walsh, host of America’s Most Wanted, the museum invites you to emerge from Hollywood fantasy and enter a more fascinating reality, the NMCP offers historical artifacts combined with dynamic interaction. Spanning three floors and more than 28,000 square feet at 575 7^th Street NW between E and F Streets in downtown Washington, D.C., the museum presents the history of crime and punishment in America, encompassing everything from pirates, Wild West outlaws, serial killers and gangsters, to white-collar criminals hiding behind computer technology.  Along the way, the museum explores crime-fighting and crime-solving techniques as well as the consequences of committing a crime.

“The unlocking of this museum provides America’s history of crime and punishment, and educates the public on the importance of the law enforcement community,” said Janine Vaccarello, Chief Operating Officer of the National Museum of Crime & Punishment. “Guests will interact and explore areas of CSI and forensic science, which are often misrepresented, while paying tribute to the real people who dedicate their lives to public safety. We are especially thrilled to give people access to the intricate world of crime fighting through the America’s Most Wanted studio.”

The NMCP will host the renowned crime fighting TV series, America’s Most Wanted (AMW) studio. During in-studio tapings, museum guests are invited to “witness” the taping of the show live and see the AMW Hotline, beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, where a team of trained operators field incoming calls and e-mails, turning those leads immediately over to federal and local police in the hopes of apprehending the fugitives profiled on the show.

The studio also serves as an interactive learning experience where guests will discover and learn about John Walsh’s personal tragedy that led him to become the nation’s most well known and successful crime fighter. Interactive exhibits within the AMW gallery include a studio camera with greenscreen technology allowing for virtual “intros” and interviews by John Walsh that provide guests with the true “live television” experience. Guests can also use a touchscreen and zip code analysis to learn more about community-based prevention programs in their own neighborhoods.

Permanent attractions include opportunities to interact with a realistic forensics lab, create ID cards and fingerprinting, and use a lie detector test. Visitors to the museum will experience first-hand the skills necessary to fight crime through such interactive components as a simulated FBI shooting range and high-speed police chase simulators. Artifacts include J. Edgar Hoover’s badge and boxing gloves given to him by James Braddock (“Cinderella Man),” John Dillinger’s car, the 1967 Hollywood film “Death Car” of Bonnie and Clyde, and the collections of Poncho Villa and Jesse James.

Galleries within the museum include: A Notorious History of American Crime; Punishment: The Consequences of Crime; Crime Fighting; Crime Solving: The Technology of Crime Fighting; and America’s Most Wanted: John Walsh’s Personal Story.

Admission to the NMCP is $17.95 for adults, with a special rate of $14.95 for law enforcement officers. Admission is $14.95 for children (ages 5-11) and seniors age 60 and older, and free for children under the age of five. The museum is open weekdays 10am until 6pm September through February, and 9am to 7pm March through August.

The museum, which will include a retail “Cop Shop,” is located on the web at www.crimemuseum.org.  For ticket and facility rental information, call (202) 393-1099.  For media information, call (703) 534-4600 x216.

About the National Museum of Crime & Punishment

The NMCP’s mission is to provide guests of all ages with a memorable insight into the history of crime, crime fighting and solving, and the consequences of committing a crime in America through a captivating interactive, entertaining, and educational experience. The museum is located on 7th Street NW between E and F Streets in downtown Washington, D.C. at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Arena exit).

America’s Most Wanted

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