Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation

Advisory Board Members

Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation

Board Members

Warden Burl Cain

Founder of Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum

The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum was established to both preserve its past and to educate all who visit as to the role this sprawling prison farm has played in our state's history.

Once called "the bloodiest prison in America." the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola has emerged as one of the most progressive and well managed prisons in the entire United States.  In order to fully appreciate the accomplishments of this prison, one must first visit the past.

I hope your journey through the prison's past will help you to better understand where we are today.  It is my pleasure to welcome you to our Internet site.  Please visit the museum at Angola in person.

Sheryl M. Ranatza

President, La State Penitentiary Museum Foundation

After a career that spanned over 30 years, Mrs. Ranatza retired from the Department of Corrections in 2011. She served in a variety of management positions throughout the Department, with her last position being that of Deputy Secretary.

While serving as Deputy Warden at Angola, and when the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum was merely a "notion", Mrs. Ranatza worked on behalf of Warden Cain with local officials to obtain the facility where the museum is currently located. She was instrumental in establishing the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, a non-profit corporation, which was created to further efforts to establish a comprehensive interpretive program of the history of Louisiana State Penitentiary and all aspects of the correctional system in Louisiana.

Marsha Lindsey

Museum Director

Marsha Lindsey has served as Museum Director since November 2008.  Ms. Lindsey retired as co-founder and director of Grace Episcopal Preschool in 2007 after 25 years.  Her family has been residents of West Feliciana Parish since the early 70's.  Ms. Lindsey works with Warden Burl Cain and staff to ensure the museum provides its visitors an enlightening and educational view into the rich history of Louisiana State Penitentiary.

In addition to her duties as director, Ms. Lindsey is also the special events coordinator for the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

Dora Rabalais

Mrs. Dora Rabalais retired with 35 years of service from Louisiana State Penitentiary.  Mrs. Rabalais retired as the Director of Legal Programs.  She has  been employed at the Museum for 3 years.

Bert Dixon

Mr. Bert Dixon was born on the grounds of Louisiana State Penitentiary in 1933 and has lived in the area all his life.  He started working at Louisiana State Penitentiary on June 13, 1955 and retired on November 1, 1986.  He retired as a Corrections Colonel.  He is the second generation of four generations employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary. 

Ruth Tubbs

Mrs. Ruth Tubbs began working for the state of Louisiana in August 1966 at East Louisiana State Hospital, she transferred to Louisiana State Penitentiary in 1968.  She is the first of three generations working at the facility.  She has lived at Angola for 50 years.  She is currently assigned the Museum although she has served in several Security positions over her 39 years at Louisiana State Penitentiary.