Women’s History Month on Alcatraz

Alcatraz Girl's Club on the Agave trail cannon, on the south end of the island, while the island served as a federal penitentiary.

NPS

Ranger leading a group through Alcatraz c 1979-1980, NPS Photo

NPS

Terah Lawyer shares the stage with Troy Williams during the Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series on Alcatraz, Summer 2025.

NPS

 

This Women’s History Month, we answer the common question: “Were there any women on Alcatraz?”

The short answer is that there were no women imprisoned here. But women’s stories are deeply connected to the island.

From laundresses working in the military fort, to female leaders of the Native American Occupation, to formerly incarcerated women sharing their stories on the island today, women’s history is everywhere on Alcatraz.

Join us throughout March to hear historical and first-hand accounts of women’s lives on Alcatraz.

We will host live events on the following days:

• 3/5/26 11:30 AM: Constance Smith

• 3/14/26 1:00 PM: Jolene Babyak

• 3/20/26 & 3/21/26 - Screening of Sol in the Garden (Day Tour and Night Tour)

• 3/24/26 3:00 PM and early evening during the Night Tour: Lori Brosnan

There will also be more live programs focusing on women’s history offered throughout the month. Check out the program schedule when you arrive on the island or ask a ranger!

To get to Alcatraz Island, you’ll need to buy a ferry ticket on the Alcatraz City Cruises website. Seating for the events is first-come-first-serve and may be limited. We recommend you purchase a ticket for a ferry about one hour before the event starts.

If you are a community organization leader interested a group to an upcoming event, please email us. If you have any accessibility needs such as ASL translation, please contact e-mail us at least 5 days in advance.

 

Constance at Living History Day

Dave Rauenbuehler / NPS

Constance Smith

Constance Smith has been a living historian for decades, sharing the history of the Civil War with visitors at national parks and at reenactments across the country. She volunteers at Fort Point and Alcatraz in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has sat on the boards of several not-for-profit living history groups, and is currently the secretary for Friends of Civil War Alcatraz. Join us to hear her unique perspective and experience her demonstrations first-hand.

 

Jolene on Alcatraz

Alcatraz City Cruises

Jolene Babyak

Jolene Babyak lived on Alcatraz while her father worked as an Administrator and Associate Warden. After a happy childhood on the island, she became curious about the island as an adult and began interviewing and writing about former officers and prisoners. After years of interviews and perusing documents, she has come to believe that this tiny, 22-acre prison island was a microcosm of family life- both good and bad.

 

Lori in NPS Ranger Uniform on Alcatraz

NPS

Lori Brosnan

Lori Brosnan first came to Alcatraz as a child before it was a National Park when her father was reporting on the island. Years later, she returned as an interpretive ranger and made a great impact on everyone she encountered in her 30 years here. She helped create a strong partnership with Indians of All Tribes, the former island occupiers, and with the Alcatraz Alumni association. She has mentored many volunteers on this island. Now a dedicated volunteer herself, Lori says one of her greatest joys was “learning about the amazing women who were part of Alcatraz.”