The Anamosa State Penitentiary Association (ASPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the history of Anamosa State Penitentiary, the state’s oldest prison. Located at Po Box 144 in Anamosa, Iowa, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts which tell the stories of the prison and its inmates.
For many years, the penitentiary established a formidable reputation for discipline and order, with a strict adherence to rules and regulations. It served as a punishment center for both minor and major offenses, housing prisoners from all around the state. The facility eventually became known as “The Castle on the Hill” due to its imposing nature and strategic placement atop a hill overlooking the city of Anamosa.
ASPA and its many volunteers have been instrumental in maintaining and preserving the rich history of the penitentiary, making sure that its many stories are not forgotten. The museum offers detailed tours of the facility’s original cells, crafting galleries and dungeons, outlining the former inmates of the prison along with the guards who were tasked with patrolling and enforcing the rules. Each room is filled with placards which reflect on both pieces of history and anecdotes which offer fascinating insight into life at the prison.
In addition to its museum and interactive tour, ASPA also offers educational classes which aim to educate visitors on a variety of topics related to criminal justice. These classes give individuals an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about aspects of court systems, sentencing procedures, and correctional practices.
The penitentiary has withstood numerous attempts at closure over its lengthy history, but even today it stands as a living reminder of those who have served their time and left their mark on the prison walls. ASPA aims to keep this legacy alive by providing all visitors with a respectful yet highly informative experience that uncovers a piece of history that was once so sternly guarded by secrecy.
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore one of Iowa’s most iconic prisons, come visit Anamosa State Penitentiary Association. Step back in time and explore remarkable stories that shaped this prison — witness how its past shaped its future!