Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord Overview

The Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord (MCI-Concord) was a medium-security facility for men, located in Concord, Massachusetts. Established in 1878, it was one of the oldest running prisons in the state until its official closure in July 2024. MCI-Concord housed up to 614 inmates and served as a reception and diagnostic center for newly sentenced inmates within the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Over the years, it became a key part of the state’s correctional system, with a rich and often tumultuous history, including multiple riots and notable inmates. The decision to close MCI-Concord came as part of a state-wide effort to reduce the prison population and reallocate resources.

Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord exterior

Contact Information for Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord

Though now closed, historical contact details for MCI-Concord were:

  • Address: 965 Elm Street, Concord, MA 01742
  • Phone: (978) 405-6100

Since the prison has ceased operations, inquiries about relocated inmates or prison records can be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Correction.

Visiting Information for Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord

Before its closure, visits to MCI-Concord required prior approval and visitors had to be on a pre-approved list. Inmates were allowed a maximum of 8 visitors in medium-security facilities, including children, who did not require pre-approval but had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visits typically lasted one hour, with sessions available from Sunday through Thursday, 3 PM to 11 PM.

To visit an inmate, visitors were required to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Items such as phones and other personal belongings were not allowed inside the facility.

How to Book a Prison Visit to MCI-Concord

Booking a visit required contacting the prison directly via phone at (978) 405-6100. Visitors needed to provide their identification details, and children required birth certificates for entry. Visits were capped at 2 adults per session. The booking process had to be completed well in advance, and only approved visitors were permitted.

Directions and Parking at Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord

The prison was located at 965 Elm Street, Concord, MA, accessible by car. Visitors could use parking facilities on-site, though spaces were limited. It was recommended to confirm parking availability when scheduling a visit. Public transportation options were also available, though limited.

What was Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord Like for Prisoners?

MCI-Concord operated as a medium-security facility where inmates were housed under strict guidelines. Life inside was heavily regulated, with inmates participating in various programs aimed at rehabilitation. MCI-Concord had been notable for incidents of riots, including those in 1959, 1972, and 1976, with the latter causing over $1 million in damage. These riots reflected broader challenges within the correctional system, as inmates protested conditions or attempted escapes.

In addition, the prison played a role in significant experiments, such as the Concord Prison Experiment in the 1960s, led by psychologist Timothy Leary, which studied the effects of rehabilitation on prisoners through the use of psychedelic drugs.

Famous Prisoners at Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord

MCI-Concord housed several notable inmates throughout its history:

  • Malcolm X: Perhaps the most famous inmate, Malcolm X was incarcerated here in 1947-1948 during his younger years. His time in prison played a pivotal role in his eventual conversion to Islam and rise as a civil rights leader.
  • John Geoghan: A key figure in the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal, Geoghan spent time at MCI-Concord before being transferred and eventually killed in another facility.
  • Leeland Eisenberg: The individual who gained notoriety for taking Hillary Clinton’s campaign workers hostage was also incarcerated here.
  • Joseph Barboza: A notorious hitman for the New England mafia during the 1960s, Barboza served time at MCI-Concord.

FAQs about Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord

  1. Is Massachusetts Correctional Institution Concord still operational? No, MCI-Concord officially closed in July 2024 as part of Massachusetts’ efforts to reduce its prison population and save costs.

  2. How many inmates did MCI-Concord house? The prison had a capacity of 614 inmates.

  3. What was MCI-Concord’s security level? MCI-Concord was classified as a medium-security facility.

  4. How can I find an inmate that was housed at MCI-Concord? Inmates have been transferred to other facilities. You can contact the Massachusetts Department of Correction for information on an inmate’s current location.

  5. What notable experiments took place at MCI-Concord? The Concord Prison Experiment, conducted by psychologist Timothy Leary, studied the potential of psychedelics in inmate rehabilitation.

  6. What should I bring when visiting an inmate at a Massachusetts prison? Visitors need a valid photo ID. Personal belongings, including cell phones, are prohibited inside the prison.

  7. What are the visiting hours for Massachusetts prisons? Visiting hours vary by facility. At MCI-Concord, visits were typically held from 3 PM to 11 PM on selected days.

  8. Who was Malcolm X incarcerated with at MCI-Concord? Malcolm X served time with other medium-security inmates in the late 1940s.

  9. What happened during the riots at MCI-Concord? MCI-Concord experienced multiple riots, the most significant in 1976, causing extensive damage.

  10. Can I visit MCI-Concord now that it is closed? No, the facility is permanently closed as of July 2024.

For more detailed history on Massachusetts correctional facilities, visit

Mass.gov

Visit Mason Correctional Center