A program exploring life in the Missouri State Penitentiary from an insider's perspective is set for 7 p.m. Thursday in Jefferson City at the Missouri State Archives, 600 W Main St.
Author Larry E. Neal will speak about his book, "Unguarded Moments: Stories of Working Inside the Missouri State Penitentiary."
This is a memoir about life in the Missouri State Penitentiary from the perspective of neither inmate nor guard but from different common conceptions. Neal worked at MSP in a variety of positions from 1984 through its close in 2004. Stories from his time leading MSP prisoner work crews show life inside the prison walls could be surprisingly lighthearted, complete with inmate escapades and pranks between prisoners and staff.
In addition to offering a rare insider's view of prison humor, Neal provides a window into the rhythms of work crews, the daily life of prisoners and staff and the shared humanity of everyone behind the walls.