A woman wearing a historical bonnet, shirt, and skirt gestures from behind a table filled with jars,

Women’s History Month on Alcatraz: Women of Fortress Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island

Special Event
  • Mar 5, 2026 at 11:30 AM
  • Free

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. 

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. 

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

More information

Fees

The National Park Service does not charge an Entrance Fee to visit Alcatraz Island, but a ticket for ferry transportation by Alcatraz City Cruises is required to visit

Location

From the dock, go up the road and continue straight to the New Industries Building.

Latitude and Longitude 37.827819, -122.424881

Schedule

Date:

Mar 5, 2026

Time:

11:30 AM

Duration:

1 hour

To get to Alcatraz Island, you’ll need to buy a ferry ticket. Seating for the events is first-come-first-serve and may be limited. We recommend the 10:35 AM ferry or earlier.

Event Type

  • Cultural/Craft Demonstration
  • Living History
  • Talk
Tags: womens history month, california womens history, alca, womens history