Since opening in 2001, the museum has provided our region with a peek into the local justice system through the display of artifacts and educational posters, and even providing access to one of the cells.

Walking through the exhibit, visitors can view a sample of the day-to-day life of Cambria County prisoners and those responsible for their keeping. The display includes:

• The jail cell of Michael Smith, a prisoner that escaped from the jail on the night before he was scheduled to be executed by hanging
• Nooses used in executions
• A collection of prisoner-made weapons
• Jailhouse ledgers, modified to ensure privacy

The exhibit is located on the corner of Center and Sample Streets, Ebensburg, PA (click here for a map) and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Visitors should enter via the Sample Street entrance.

If you would like to learn more about the Old Cambria County Jail, visit the Cambria County Historical Society’s Web site, where they have a full series of newsletters on the subject, titled the “Jail Series Volumes 1-8”.