Passing up museum would be a crime
From Wild West outlaws to white-collar embezzlers, if it can land you in the clink, you can learn more about it at the new National Museum of Crime & Punishment in Washington, D.C.
The interactive museum, which unlocks its doors Friday, lets visitors try their hand at fingerprinting, see what it's like to take a lie detector test and check out J. Edgar Hoover's badge and John Dillinger's car.
The 28,000-square-foot facility at 575 Seventh St., N.W., will include the television studio of the series "America's Most Wanted." During tapings, visitors can watch as operators field incoming phone and e-mail leads and turn over the tips to law enforcement agencies. One gallery tells the story of the TV show's host, John Walsh, whose young son was murdered. Other exhibits include a history of American crime and crime-fighting technology.
Admission is $17.95 for adults; $14.95 for law enforcement officers, children 5-11 and seniors. Call (202) 393-1099 or go to www.crimemuseum.org.