NPS 
NPS 
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:
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. 
Dave Rauenbuehler / NPS Constance SmithConstance 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. 
Alcatraz City Cruises Jolene BabyakJolene 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. 
Courtesy Planting Justice Sol MercadoSol Mercado, a formerly incarcerated woman, has worked with Oakland’s Planting Justice Nursery Land team since December 2020 and is their Reentry Coordinator. She found Planting Justice through a garden program inside prison while serving a 16-year sentence. In a prison environment, working with plants provided a quiet and peaceful place that she described as her freedom. Today, she shares her “experiences to bring healing and hope to others.” Her favorite part about working at Planting Justice is how it teaches her to connect with nature and how to get back to the community.
NPS Lori BrosnanLori 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.” 
Courtesy Kris Longoria Kris Urbanrezlife LongoriaThis event has been cancelled. Apologies for the inconvenience.Kris Urbanrezlife Longoria (Citizen of the Caddo Nation) was born and raised in San Francisco, California. As a child, she lived on Alcatraz during the Occupation, an experience that continues to shape her work. She is a mother, artist, writer, and Red Power historian whose practice documents Bay Area Native activism from the Occupation era to the present. Her Prayer Pieces are featured in the Welcome to Indian Land exhibition on Alcatraz, where she also served as Lead Exhibit Advisor and is featured in the Cell House audio tour. |
Last updated: March 26, 2026