THE BIG HOUSE HISTORY

The National Big House Prison Museum

In the beginning . . .

The idea for the Big House Prison Museum was borne of a need to preserve and protect the history of Corrections for generations to come, and to build a better understanding of the profession and the men and women who wear a Corrections badge.

Two longtime California Corrections professionals, Carl Larson and Larry Corby, long ago dreamt of an operation that would properly preserve and display the artifacts, photographs, and other pieces of the past.  Larson and Corby also knew it was important to create a lasting tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in the name of public safety.

Larson, who passed away in 2013, and Corby, who passed away less than a year later, passionately worked toward an educational and awe-inspiring venue that would one day tell the unique and colorful story of Corrections in California, the nation, and the world.

With a little help from our friends . . .

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Every day, the profession loses items of historical significance, as photographs, tools, furniture, etc., simply disappear or end up in the trash.  And just like that, a piece of our history is gone forever.  The gripping, first-hand tales of mayhem and survival might never be known to the next generation, if not for the commitment of a handful of retired officers who knew something had to be done.

The Old Guard Foundation (OGF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group organized to direct the construction and operation of the Big House Prison Museum, wholeheartedly supports the Larson and Corby dream.

As a representative for Corrections officers who’ve walked the line, the OGF’s mission is to help advance the public’s understanding of this critical area of law enforcement.  The Big House Prison Museum will remove the cloak of myth and rumor that has enveloped the profession for decades, offering instead an unprecedented educational opportunity that will take Museum visitors from outside the gates of a granite fortress to a jaw-dropping view of what life is really like behind the wall.

At approximately 35,000 sq. ft., the Big House Prison Museum will be a national repository for appropriately preserving the profession as it shares the story of Corrections and its valuable role in the vast criminal justice system.

With a planned educational research library, the Big House Prison Museum will offer unparalleled resources for future correctional peace officers, as well as criminal justice educators. The spacious area designed for traditional and interactive exhibits will offer local visitors and tourists a chance to explore the deep and colorful history of Corrections — in Folsom, California, and other towns across America.

As a partner within the community, the Big House Prison Museum will help cultivate a cooperative relationship between the Old Guard Foundation and local businesses as we all strive to make the city of Folsom a safe, family-friendly community where neighbors from all walks of life work and play together.

Turning dreams into reality . . .

Naturally, our donors, supporters, and contributors play a vital role in helping us achieve our project goals.  Aside from that, the Big House Prison Museum offers our donors a unique experience: the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a historic social restoration where education and public safety meet.

Your donation will help preserve history for future generations, as it builds an educational powerhouse for students of all ages.  Your support will help reconnect communities with their public safety personnel — the first step in ensuring public safety in any neighborhood.  And your contribution will help honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who step into harm’s way every day in their duty to keep us all safe.

Best of all, when our donors walk through the doors of this exciting storybook of true-life events, they can take pride in knowing they were a part of its creation.