Canada Corrections Museum, Kingston (must see)

The Canada Corrections Museum, formerly known as the Penitentiary Museum, provides a comprehensive look into various aspects of the Canadian correctional system, offering visitors a unique insight into the evolution of prison life and correctional practices in Canada. Through its exhibits, the museum traces the transformation of living conditions in prisons from the early 20th century to the present day, highlighting the significant changes and reforms that have taken place over the decades.

Visitors to the Canada Corrections Museum can explore the stark contrasts between the harsh punitive methods used in the past and the more rehabilitative approaches implemented in contemporary correctional facilities. The museum's exhibits include authentic prison cells, historical artifacts, and detailed displays that depict the daily lives of inmates and the working conditions of prison staff throughout different eras. These displays provide a vivid portrayal of the physical and psychological challenges faced by those incarcerated and underscore the evolving philosophies regarding punishment and rehabilitation.

One of the key attractions of the museum is its focus on the severe and often brutal methods of punishment that were once commonplace in Canadian prisons. Exhibits showcase devices and tools used for corporal punishment, solitary confinement cells, and other disciplinary measures that reflect the punitive nature of early correctional practices. These artifacts serve as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of prison life in the past and emphasize the progress that has been made in humanizing and improving the correctional system.