Life on Alcatraz focus of speakers, exhibit
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the closure of Alcatraz as a federal prison. To mark the occasion, Parc 55 Hotel in downtown San Francisco hosts the traveling exhibit, “Alcatraz: Life on the Rock,” providing visitors with a glimpse of the notorious island’s history.
In conjunction with the exhibit, on view through June 28, the hotel features a free speaker series with lectures by survivors of the prison and other Alcatraz experts.
On Thursday, April 26, the third talk in the series is delivered by historian John Martini. Martini worked as a National Park ranger for 25 years before turning his attention full time to research and scholarship. Martini, who is active as a volunteer for the Park Service on Alcatraz Island, presents his talk titled “Alcatraz Island: 200 Years on the Rock” at 5:30 p.m. in the Cable 55 restaurant in Parc 55 Hotel.