If you have already visited Canada’s Penitentiary Museum,
also referred to as Correctional Service of Canada Museum, what follows may be déjà
vu for you.
While the museum houses many interesting items, including
devices used to punish misbehaving inmates along with inmate artwork and examples
of their creativity at making weapons, the size of the first Kingston Penitentiary
cell may leave a lasting memory of the living conditions endured in the name of
punishment. Between 1835 and 1906 (photo #1) all inmates could do is either lay
down or stand up at the end of their bed to peer out the bars while trying not
to step into to their toilet (which was essentially a bowl). As time
passed, authorities realized that rehabilitation was required to prepare inmates
for their eventual reintegration into society. Photo #2 is one type of cell
used between 1998 and 2013 when the prison closed its doors. The evolution of
the prison cell from what could be considered as a form of torture by today’s standards
is remarkable.
If you have not visited the Kingston Penitentiary, located
across the street from the museum, that is also an educational experience. That
link: http://www.kingstonpentour.com/
Photo #1
Photo #2
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