Reviews of Correctional Service of Canada Museum (Museum)

yu chen

(Translated) This place documents the developments in the federal government's penalties. This house has a unique preservation value from the historical perspective of Canadian prisons. Exhibited the things used by prisoners, such as weapons and photos made to escape from here. There is a room that shows the early restraint and punishment of the prisoner. This is the copy room of the ordinary cell that was used after 1835. This type of room has been used until 2013, because the manager’s permission, so I can Have the opportunity to walk in and visit. This is a museum that must be seen. Free parking is available across the street. It is free, but you can also donate a little money as a ticket. (Original) 这个地方记录了加拿大联邦政府刑罚的发展变化。这个房子从加拿大监狱历史性上看有独特的保存价值。展出了囚犯用过的东西，如为了逃离这儿，用一些东西做成的武器，照片。有一间房间展示了早期对犯人进行约束和刑罚的器具，这是1835年后开始使用的普通牢房的复制房间，这类房间一直使用到了2013年才结束使用，因为管理者的许可，所以我可以有机会走进去参观。这是一个一定要来看看的博物馆。街对面可以免费停车，进是免费的，不过你也可以捐一点钱当做门票。

Curtis Davies

Lots of cool things to learn about Canadian penitentiaries, including an awesome showcase of weapons created by inmates. If you're visiting the penitentiary across the street or you're just in the area, I suggest you check this place out.

Rabby S

small place, you don't really get to see what it's like present day but you do get to see it historically.

Ginette Labarre

Very interesting and a good idea for a family outing!

Ruoping Xu

Came here when it was a free day. The museum is really interesting.

Maame Bempomaa

It is depressing how people have suffered in prisons throughout our history. There's a few uplifting parts but generally an upsetting experience if you're empathetic and consider prisoners to still be people. The gift shop has some very tasteless babywear however.

Pigeon Sannom

(Translated) Museum very educational !! I particularly liked the section of the craft weapons that the prisoners made with what they had on hand, it leaves cold in the back! (Original) Musé très éducatif !! J'ai particulièrement aimé la section des armes artisanales que les détenus ont fabriqués avec ce qu'ils avaient sous la main, ça laisse froid dans le dos !

Lori Springer

Staff were friendly and answer any questions.

Jessica Cook

This place is full of history and gives a good perspective as to how far we have come as a society when it comes to our institutions and inmates.

Em&Em

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Terry Parker

Amazing and informative

Alan Scott

Got a personal tour of each individual room. Very informative. Very fascinating articles throughout the museum.

The Box Guys

Some good information here. Some of the prisoners contraptions are wild. Good addition to kingston pen tour.

Jay

Helpful, bilingual staff. Well placed exhibits. Great quality exhibits and very interesting. Lots of history and items to read, view, and even some to interact with.

Edward Crosier

Prison Museum is a must see, lots of things to see and items used inside prison, weapons seized from inmates, ex cape attempts.

Antoine S

(Translated) Super interesting, I recommend. It's free and shows interesting information about penitentiaries. In English and French. (Original) Super intéressant, je recommande. C'est gratuit et montre des informations intéressantes sur les pénitenciers. En anglais et en Français.

whiskeystever

Very interesting tour. Great informative and entertaining speakers

Kathryn Kula

Very informative. The volunteers have great factual information from having worked at the prison.

Kevin Michael Offord

An excellent museum, well worth a visit

Marge Simpson

Take a self guided tour in this amazing museum. So many interesting items/things to see. Really opens your eyes seeing the items that prisoners used as weapons. The staff was great & there was 1 security guard that spent extra time with my son in explaining some things.

Nathan Saccon

Truly unique hands on experience. The staff is extremely friendly, and very knowledgeable. Every room is filled with fascinating items along with their story. I highly recommend visiting for all ages, especially if you have any interest in Kingston Pen. One of my favourite things I remember is a crossbow that is made out of everyday prison items. For some reason I will never forget it.

Brad McKay

Very interesting museum

Colin Climie

The collection of shivs was impressive.

Steve C

Great little museam tons of interesting things, highly recommend.

Chris Arbour

Had some great history of the prison system and lots of items to view including torture racks etc

Lorena Richards

Excellent presentation of historical and correctional service artifacts! Even better the Kingston Peniteniary Premium Tour across King St taken best after the Museum. Highlights are the retired 'correctional workers' and 'guards' stories at both facilities. Mike survived the inmate traffic at the 'Grand Central Station' KPDome. Louise as the feisty first female in Segregation who quick-wittedly managed her safety. The highlight speaker was the gifted RN Brian at the KP Psychiatric Hospital with his humour, compassion and humanity as he managed the mentally/psychiatrically challenged inmates experiencing their recreational therapy. Truly Canadian unsung hero/heroines. Definite must-see tours!

Dan Timon

Great place to learn about the history of the institution and the organization. Well balanced, showing negative and positive and curiosities.

Luke Kroeker

Very interesting, staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.

Anthony Peart

Very informative & interesting.

stephanie lord

Interesting artifacts/memorabilia, well informed staff, well organized displays

Maurice Stam

Great tour

Serina Corcoran

Very cool museum, free entry, donations accepted, very informative and eye catching

Frank H

Check website for open day/times, they are open seasonally - closed November to April 30th. The museum guide was a retired correction officer from Kingston Prison who provided interesting facts about the prison from days gone by. The museum displays stories such as eloborate escape plans/attempts by prisoners or other displays such as how the term "sent to box" was coined. Interested in how the prison delt with unruly prisoners? Well wonder no more, check out the 19th century method of waterboarding for unruly inmates. The original device, a chair with a small barrel designed to enclose the prisoners entire head and then filled with water (which then slowly leaked through the small hole made to make room for the prisoner's neck), is on display along with a detailed record of each time administered..use was discontinued due to a death in Auburn Prison, New York...the device makes modern waterboarding, as seen via media, look like a cake walk! If you are curious about the history of the Kingston prison or just prison in general, highly recommend a visit!

Kevin Moyler

Highly recommended

Diane Giberson

This is my second visit since opening and I feel they have really stepped up the tour. I love the interaction with retired staff and the length of the tour is appropriate for all ages.

Yhiwbagah

Book tickets prior to visit.

Anthony Peart

Lots of history hear

Jennifer Jonassen

So much history. The staff is knowledgeable.

Megan McLean

Self guided, but still lots of helpful information from available staff.

Sergei Coleman

Interesting and original items. Some history as well and a good glimpse into life behind bars and some people who lived this life on both sides. Enjoy. Free admission, there is a souvenir shop and they would appreciate donations.

Dave Warren

Awesome

Derek Gateman

Admission by donation, very informative, great collection of shanks

Allan McCracken New Life Painted Furniture

Free admission - Accepts donations. Very interesting exhibits and artwork.

420gotbounce casting

ptsd not friendly

Neil C

staff was very friendly and knowledgeable especially Steve! Definitely worth a visit

Juliana Skarecky Colwell

Whenever I have someone visit me in Kingston, I always take them here. Such an interesting place. Love that it is pay what you can as well.

Pamela Trincado

(Translated) The visit is a free offer, so it is always worth entering. There are some interesting aspects of this small museum, such as the room dedicated to the weapons produced over the years by prisoners. However, if you have time, visit the new penitentiary museum next to it. (Original) La visita è a offerta libera, quindi vale sempre la pena entrare. Vi sono alcuni aspetti interessanti di questo piccolo museo, come la sala dedicata alle armi prodotte negli anni dai carcerati. Tuttavia, se avete tempo, visitate il nuovo museo del penitenziario che gli è adiacente.

Mike Murphy

Pretty good museum. Takes around an hour to get through everything. Run by volunteers. No cost but donations welcome. Definitely worth it if you're already in Kingston. This isn't the penitentiary tour but rather a museum located in the old Warden's house.

Debbie Cameron-Marshall

Wonderful tour and knowledgeable staff. A real pleasure to visit.

Yunfan Wang

Great collections. Things you can't find anywhere else.

Roy Leigh

Nice to show items made, created or done in Corrections.

Cal Caldwell

Completely closed over winter season so didn't get to go.

Streets Discovery

(Translated) Guided tour of the former prison a little expensive (about 30 CAD), but it is still possible to visit the former residence of the prison manager with a free offer. Inside there is a small museum (with weapons found in the cells, tools of punishment for the prisoners ...) and the reconstruction of some cells. If you are in the area, it is worth a visit. (Original) Visita guidata alla ex prigione un pó costosa (circa 30 CAD), ma è possibile comunque visitare con offerta libera la ex dimora del responsabile del carcere. All'interno sono allestiti un piccolo museo (con armi rinvenute nelle celle, strumenti di punizione per i detenuti...) e la ricostruzione di alcune celle. Se si passa in zona, vale la pena fare un salto.

Lindsey Brien

Very cool place. Loved the box of shivs!

Wayne MacDonald

I cannot say enough about the amazing displays and artifacts in this Museum Bill Isaacs and Tom Moon both retired correctional officers of KP, and volunteers were absolutely incredible in their accounts of how the prison ran in the history of it. A visit well worth the effort.

vkrahulec

Very interesting museum. Museum about history of prison.

Yvonne Spencer

Lots of interesting things to see

Mike Logan

Much more than expected

Bob MacWilliam

Small, but very informative

Mitchell Grootscholten

(Translated) Great museum and completely free! (Original) Geweldig museum en helemaal gratis!

Raaichu

It's a great little museum. Pay is by donation, otherwise free.

Stephen Arnold

This.museum is the most visited museum among the twenty or so Kingston area museums. Most of us have never been in a jail so we're curious about what goes on behind the gate. Moreover, Corrections Canada has a large presence in Kingston and the nearby area with seven operating penitentiaries, a Corrections college and a Corrections regional administration. There is a relatively large percentage of Kingston households where a member has a professional connection with the penitentiaries. This particular museum is also well located because it presides over the now closed Kingston Penitentiary to the south and is next to the long closed Women's Penitentiary to the north. This museum is in fact the former house of the Kingston Penitentiary warden. When you arrive at the Warden's House for a visit, you are greeted by a volunteer who was likely a former employee. They point out that there is no charge but that donations are welcomed. The tour is also self-guided which is fine because there are only about seven rooms to visit on the two floors and everything is well-signed. Everything you see is very interesting. There are two sample cells from different points in time. There are large collections of inmate creations including shivs, firearms, escape ropes and artwork. There are lots of stories about both the inmates and the corrections officers. When you leave the Warden's House, you'll want to walk around to the back. You'll see the imposing Women's Penitentiary about which there is talk of making it into a woman's museum. There also remnants of the tall prison walls including the entire west wall. A portion of the east wall is still draped with threatening razor wire.

Yan Yan

(Translated) One of the best museums to learn about Canadian history. (Original) 了解加拿大历史的最佳博物馆之一。

Lynne Mack

Interesting but barbaric way humans were treated.

Lauren

A cool place to check out if you go to the Kingston pen for the tour as its right across the road. Also staff/volunteers know their stuff and you learn a lot from them.

Coral Murphy

I have visited this museum multiple times over the past two years. It is run solely by donations. The museum is self-guided although there are always friendly staff happy to talk if you have questions or want to learn more. The lower level was much more interesting to me as it featured things from attempted escapes and the weapons inmates made while inside the pen. If you're interested in learning more about this historic penitentiary, then the museum is worth a visit.

Dylan Lollar

Very informative and extremely fun. Great place to come to when on a trip in Kingston. Staff that work there are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Nick Del Monte

Fun place to visit to see what it's like to be penned up.. lol Seeing history of a correctional institution was impressive and knowledgeable.

Aleksandra Ikonnikova

Really awesome and engaging. Totally recommend visiting this place, and it's interesting for kids and adults alike. Entertaining exhibits and awesome art you wouldn't believe is possible to make in these conditions. It is crazy to think of all the objects smuggled into prison and how crafty people can get with so few resources available. You'll be surprised to see the size of cells early on and later in the days. All in all, a great experience, engaging, educating and would totally recommend it to anyone.

David Diaz

Great little museum. Lots of cool information and displays.

Martina C.

Very interesting place. The museum offeres a view at each aspect of prison - prisoner's resourcefullnes to escape and smuggle contrabands, the corporal punishment artifacts, art made by inmates, view at cells during different times....Highly recommed!

Theresa Westfall

Always something interesting to see with every visit. Conveniently located and on the trolley route.

Benny K

Small and very interesting museum. Shows the various aspects of life in prison.

Ryan Nicholas

Everyone is very nice. It has some interesting items. The best part for me are the stories that the guides tell as you are looking at the exhibits.

Carol Landaverde

I had the most pleasant couple of hours at this establishment. The self guided tour and pay with a donation will fit some people's needs. It was well represented with an assortment of displays. What kept me there was a staff by the name of Cameron who was a wealth of information. I never thought I could be so engaged about the history of our penal system in Canada but Cameron was very engaging. I would definitely return when he was on staff. It is not very disabled friendly as some smaller historical locations are apt to be.

Cathy Boucher

An interesting museum. My favorite part was the art room.

Angela Jonkman

Great tour!!

Haggis McBeastie

Great museum and dovetails really well with the Pen tour. A real trip to the past. Highly recommended.

Barbara Storey

Wow this place would scare you strait, great look at what prisoners went through. Over the years.

Tiffany Lloyd

Not a large museum but still very interesting.

Rachel Van Halteren

Was told that this was worth a visit over visiting the actual Kingston penitentiary. Interesting info. Staff were friendly and informative. Plus it's free!

Michel Weber

(Translated) Very interesting and free. (Original) Sehr interessant und kostenlos.

George rjjs

So interesting and educational

Danny Ford

Great museum for passing time before the penitentiary tour as it is across to road. It was very interesting to see the the history of the jail, but as well to learn about some of the inmates that had stayed there. I would recommend this place before going to take the tour.

Mark Gorman

Good

420gotbounce casting

ptsd not friendly

Colleen Aitken

Not even open

Ian Fok

Nice Museum for family trip

Dominic Potvin

(Translated) Very interesting, the kids loved it just like the adults. Free, but accepts donations. (Original) Très intéressant, les enfants ont adoré tout comme les adultes. Gratuit, mais accepte les dons.

judy lucas

Good tour. Quite informative. Some presenters not very audible.

Nathalie Princet

(Translated) In French! (Original) En français!

John Wong

Interesting museum with different exhibits and good educational experience for my kids.

Sahil S

A must visit stop between Toronto and Montreal. The museum is informative and fun for adults and kids alike.

Tammi Gonzalez

Surprised by how many items they have. We all enjoyed it. (Adults and kids 6-12). Would recommend visiting the museum to friends.

L H

Nice place with lots of info and very cool historical items to look at with somewhat detailed descriptions. Spent about half an hour in the museum and especially enjoyed the room where shanks and contraband delivery methods were displayed. The "gift shop" leaves something to be desired. Some areas are cramped but otherwise the museum is very interesting. Definitely recommend checking it out.

keren bronstein

Very nice exp for the all family. It's also free ( you can give a donation)

Adam Gyimesi

So many shanks

Erik Kowal

Very interesting and well presented. Needs to be better advertised!!

L

History is apart of us

Cheryl Wallis

Amazing tour

Cathy Brown

Very interesting place to visit. Staff extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Worth the visit.

Shaun W

Pretty cool

ray miller

Highly recommended

MT

Very cool, they have a great collection, and the house itself is interesting to walk through.

b t

Preservation and restoration of ancient practice in correctional service....

glynis ciampaglia

The staff (Steve) was very knowledgeable and friendly, I could have listened to him all day!

A Google User

(Translated) Museum very educational !! I particularly liked the section of the craft weapons that the prisoners made with what they had on hand, it leaves cold in the back! (Original) Musé très éducatif !! J'ai particulièrement aimé la section des armes artisanales que les détenus ont fabriqués avec ce qu'ils avaient sous la main, ça laisse froid dans le dos !