Both Sides of the Wall: Auburn and Its Prison
In 1816 the first cornerstone of a new prison was laid in Auburn, NY. Today, this prison is the oldest maximum security prison in New York State. Known now as the Auburn Correctional Facility, this institution created the system of incarceration known as the “Auburn System”, which became widely popular and emulated. Notable elements of this system included enforced silence while working or moving around the prison, striped uniforms, and single person cells. This system would remove an incarcerated persons individuality and promote isolation which often led to great emotional distress. Eventually, this system fell out of favor and the solitary ways of Auburn ended which made it possible for new carceral methods to emerge.
The Cayuga Museum has had an exhibit on display about the Auburn Correctional Facility since 2003. This exhibit was updated in 2023 to reflect changes in language surrounding incarceration, to include artwork created within and in response to the prison, and to highlight voices of individuals who have lived and worked inside. This work is ongoing as we endeavor to learn more about the prisons long history and we welcome visitors to offer feedback about their experience to further strengthen our exhibit.