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Alcatraz was dedicated as a National Park in 1972 because of its military history as a Civil War fort and later as a military prison.

The Friends of Civil War Alcatraz was founded in 2002 as a non-profit organization to support the National Park Service in interpreting the 70 year military history of Alcatraz.

To date we have: maintained the existing cannon and carriage; performed cannon drills for the public; provided volunteers to interpret the Civil War history of the island; organized Living History events on the island; raised funds to donate to the Park Service for uniforms and items for interpretation; given presentations to the island's interpretive staff about the island's military history.

We also visit school and community groups to talk about California and the Civil War, and bring displays of soldier’s equipment (haversack, blanket, personal items, etc. but no weapons). For speakers and school visitations, contact Stephen Johnson stephenjohnson1851@att.net.

 

Our volunteers meet people from all over the world who are interested in knowing the early and formative years of the Island's history.

 

Members of the Board of Directors for 2024

Gary Hormel - Chairman

Constance Smith - Secretary

Steve Johnson - Treasurer

Frank Avila

John Ferris

 

Committees

  

Website

 Steve Johnson

Interpreter Activities

 Co-Chairmen Steve Johnson and Constance Smith

 Gary Hormel

Living History Day Committee

Steve Johnson, Chairman


Constance Smith, Frank Avila and Gary Hormel

Speakers Bureau Committee

Chairman Steve Johnson, Constance Smith
Membership Chairman John Ferris

 


Affiliated Organizations:

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - An organization of descendants of Union soldiers whose goal is to promote the history and sacrifice of soldiers and sailors who fought to preserve our nation - one people, one Union.

General Pleasonton Camp 24, San Francisco - http://www.suvpac.org/camp24.html

General George Wright Camp 22, Sacramento - https://camp22.org/


Civil War Roundtables

These groups meet on a monthly basis to hear speakers and have discussions about various topics related to the American Civil War. Guests are always welcome.

Peninsula Civil War Roundtable https://www.peninsulacivilwarroundtable.org/

Sacramento Civil War Roundtable https://www.facebook.com/SCWRT/



The Third Artillery Brass Band plays music on the island twice a year.

 

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