Browse Items (1263 total)

Criticisms of lack of rehabilitation options and description of prisoners' bitterness

This newspaper article discusses the rebellion at Walpole in response to Waitkevitch's memo and the prisoners' demands.

Richardson notes that prisoners have little to do, and that there are few books in the school.

Prisoners work in the printing shop, computer shop, and brush shop.

Observer describes hostility between prisoners and guards despite pleasantry when isolated.

Shops are being run very well. However, maximum security is rather dirty.

Rideout speaks with some guards, who mention their concerns that observers will get rid of their jobs. The guards seem convinced that the observers are getting paid.

The observer spoke with prisoners, ultimately coming to the conclusion that the reason they struggle to return to society is that they aren't prepared for outside life and are not treated like humans.

Guards and prisoners have an okay relationship, and medication is slow to come.

This letter from Ed Rodman attempts to shed light on the conditions at Walpole and urges the recipient to accept a meeting with Rodman. The recipient is unknown, but likely someone in a position of authority within the gubernatorial administration.

This document focuses on an NPRA board meeting held on August 29, 1975.

Article about NPRA from Ed Rodman and William Ryan

This discussion with Reverend Rodman explores the events leading up to and during the Walpole takeover. Beyond exploring Reverend Rodman’s organizing work in and outside of Walpole, this conversation highlights the broader landscape of prison…

This oral history interview features the Reverend Edward Rodman, an Episcopal priest who played a major role in the Walpole occupation. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. He attended the Hampton Institute in…

A young man and woman are denied visitation, and prisoners are being given phenobarbital to make them sleep;

Prisoners had good morale due to being able to take control of their lives

Rosenberg notes the specific and complex dynamics between prisoners, guards, and observers. The report ends with a list of statements from prisoners that expresses their positive stance toward the observer program, distain for the old guards, and…

The civilian guards get along with the prisoners, but they are worried about the return of the old guards. One prisoner reports that contraband is present in the prison.

Prisoners concerned about the potential for guard violence after the guards return