Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra, and Einstein's Brain (eBook)

Birdman of Alcatraz's Cell

Alcatraz IslandSan Francisco, California 415-705-5555

The infamous island of Alcatraz sits in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. Nicknamed 'The Rock,' Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most populardestinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can explore the remnants of the prison, and can also learn about the Indian occupation of 1969-1971, early military fortifications (the first U.S. fort on the coast), and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse.

Nobody ever escaped from Alcatraz, which was operational from 1934 to 1963. Thirty-six prisoners were involved in attempts: seven shot and killed, two drowned, five unaccounted for, the rest recaptured. Two prisoners made it off the island but were returned, one in 1945 and one in 1962. (In 1962, three brothers were successful in escaping both the institutionand the island, but survival is very questionable-they have never turned up.)

One of the most famous inmates was Robert Stroud, nicknamed the 'Birdmanof Alcatraz' due to his extensive study of birds. He arrived here in 1942, and was transferred out in 1959. His cell is one of the most popular sites along the self-guided tour, which also include slide shows, sound clips, and close-ups of other infamous prisoners, such as AlCapone.

Bladerunner Car

Miami Police Museum 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville, Florida 305-576-1213

The American Police Hall of Fame and Museum was founded in 1960. It is the nation's first national police museum and memorial dedicated to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. You'll see the actual car from the movie Bladerunner, a real Robocop from the movie of the same name, and many other crime-related items like police cars, motorcycles, knives, guns, badges, swords, and even a guillotine. There's also a gas chamber and a chance to sit in a real electric chair. Plus, don't miss the indoor shooting range, the forensics area (complete with a crime scene), and the exihibit showcasing the most wanted criminals from 50-100 years ago.

Bonnie and Clyde's Car

Whiskey Pete's Casino31900 South Las Vegas Boulevard Primm, Nevada 702-386-7867

On Wednesday, May 23, 1934, six officers actingon a tip laid in wait for outlaw Clyde Barrow and his companion in crime, Bonnie Parker. Bonnie and Clyde were accused of killing 12 innocent people, and the entire country had been searching for them. As the duo approached the ambush spot near Gibsland, Louisiana, the police shouted a warning. The outlaws drew their guns, but inmoments they were riddled with over 50 bullets.

Many believe that had they not been glamorized by the 1967 film, Bonnie and Clyde, they would have remained what they were-obscure, petty, cold-blooded killers. Today, the 1934 Ford in which Bonnie and Clyde were killed is on displayin Primm, Nevada, at Whiskey Pete's Casino. In 1997, Whiskey Pete's paid $85,000 for the light blue, bullet-ridden, bloodstained shirt that Barrow was wearing when he was killed. The shirt is also on display in the casino,part of a permanent Bonnie and Clyde exhibit.

Lizzie Borden's Axe

Fall River Historical Society 451 Rock Street Fall River, Massachusetts 508-679-1071

Lizzie Borden took an axe

and gave her Mother forty whacks.

When she saw what she had done

She gave her Father forty-one.