California crime artifacts on display

The National Museum of Crime & Punishment in Washington D.C. (which even I didn't know exists!) sent out a news release today to let people know that there are some artifacts on display that have California connections:

These include Kevin Costner's revolver from "The Untouchables," (Paramount, 1987) used in the station scene with Andy Garcia.  The other is Luca Brasi's mob pistol from "The Godfather" (Paramount, 1972).  It is used by Brasi, [played] by Lenny Montana, in the scene where he prepares for the meeting with Sollozzo.

 The museum also features multiple artifacts from Alcatraz, including postcards, letters and a prisoner "ID" camera.  Displayed is a hand-written letter on prison stationary from Robert "Birdman of Alcatraz" Stroud from Jan. 15, 1999 to his sister.  Stroud was imprisoned for murder at the age of 18 - he spent more than 54 years in jail (47-years in isolation), where he became a self-educated authority on birds and bird diseases. 

 

These are among the museum's more than 100 displays, which also includes opportunities to interact with realistic forensic labs, take a lie detector test and an FBI shooting range simulator. For more information, click on link above to the museum or call (202) 621-5567.