Fall has arrived at Eastern State! Come enjoy the beauty of the season during the day, and get your fix of scary adventures by night. Our Halloween fundraiser Terror Behind the Walls continues throughout the month. Plus, we welcome representatives from FAMM for a discussion about life without parole sentences and officers from Philadelphia's 9th District for our annual Coffee with a Cop event.
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Remembering Danielle Rice |
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It is with deep sadness that we share this news with all friends of Eastern State. Dr. Danielle Rice, our Board Chair, died on Thursday, September 12. Danielle ushered our organization through a period of incredible growth. She was with us as we installed The Big Graph in 2014, our first major exhibit focused on contemporary criminal justice. Danielle also played an important role in our latest strategic planning process and the adoption of our new mission in 2017.
Danielle was a dedicated champion of the arts and culture sector. Most recently, she served as director of the museum leadership graduate degree program in Drexel University's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. She was also an active member of her synagogue, an avid cyclist, and served on the boards of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums and the Philadelphia Art Alliance. Donations in her memory can be made to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Delaware Art Museum, and Kol Tzedek Synagogue.
Our deepest condolences go out to all who knew and loved Danielle. Her legacy will live on in the work we do every day at Eastern State, and her wisdom and generosity will be sorely missed.
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Tuesday, October 1, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Free. No reservations required.
Responding to Redemption: Reconsidering Life Without Parole Sentences in Pennsylvania with FAMM
Pennsylvania has more than 5,400 people serving life without parole sentences, and many of them are aging or ill, have rehabilitated themselves during decades of incarceration, and no longer pose a threat to public safety.
Join representatives from FAMM for a discussion about providing a pathway to parole eligibility for deserving Pennsylvanians, and learn how creating parole eligibility for lifers can positively impact our communities.
Unable to make it for the October Searchlight Series? We'll be streaming the discussion live on our Facebook page.
Learn More >
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Terror Behind the Walls is NOW OPEN!
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Select nights, Sept. 20 through Nov. 9
Ticket prices vary.
Terror Behind the Walls, America's largest haunted house, is called "perfect for Halloween" by the New York Times, named #1 in the nation by Forbes, and featured on NBC's TODAY Show. Terror Behind the Walls takes place inside the massive, castle-like walls of Eastern State Penitentiary and is consistently ranked among the top haunted attractions in America.
Save time and money by purchasing your tickets online. When you buy online in advance for any $24 night, you'll receive a FREE ticket to come back for a daytime prison tour.
All proceeds from Terror Behind the Walls benefit the preservation of Eastern State Penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark. Terror Behind the Walls does not affect daytime operation of the historic site, which remains open for tours every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For FAQs, preview videos, and tickets, visit www.TerrorBehindTheWalls.com.
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Saturday, October 5, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Free.
Eastern State Penitentiary is proud to partner with the Philadelphia Police Department for Coffee with a Cop. Join officers from Philadelphia's 9th District for an informal conversation -- over coffee -- about issues that matter to you.
Coffee with a Cop is a national movement to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve. This event is free and open to the public. No reservations required.
Learn More >
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Third Saturday of every month
Experience Eastern State as only members can, through exclusive tours on the third Saturday of every month at 11:00 am.
October Member Saturday: Beyond Small Talk: Navigating Conversations on Mass Incarceration and Criminal Justice Reform
Saturday, October 19, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
At Eastern State, we make space for visitors, staff and members to have difficult conversations every day with the goal of finding common ground about the realities of the criminal justice system in America. Join Lauren Zalut, Director of Education and Tour Programs, and Reem Cotton, Supervisor, Education and Community Engagement, for coffee and conversation about Eastern State's history, trends in contemporary corrections, and tools and tactics members can utilize to navigate difficult conversations about incarceration with their family, friends, and neighbors.
This event is free for all members. Learn more. Then, reserve free tickets online or call 215-236-5111 x224. Space is limited. Not a member? Join today!
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October is Archives Month Philly! |
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During the month of October, organizations across the city come together to celebrate Archives Month Philly. And we're getting in on the action, too! From wood carvings and padlocks to mugshot books and model ships, our collections are treasure trove of history.
Our archivist, Erica Harman, will lead special 15-minute Hands-On History tours of Eastern State's collection storage area that houses the penitentiary's fascinating collection of prisoner-made objects, photographs, and documents. Meet Erica at Al Capone's Cell at 4:00 pm or 4:30 pm any Monday in October for a rare behind-the-scenes look at our archives. Hands-On History tours are included with standard admission.
We are proud of our archives and can't wait to show them off! Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of the many individuals who gifted us artifacts and countless others who donated to ensure their upkeep. Want to support our work to collect, preserve, and make our archives more accessible? Donate to the Fund for Archives and Collections today!
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On This Day in ESP History |
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On September 9, 1904:
"[I] leave at 6 o'clock this evening for Washington, DC to investigate the methods of the National Bureau of Identification with the Bertillon System," reports the warden.
Developed by a French criminologist, the Bertillon system measured body parts and physical markings like tattoos and scars. It was used by police and prison officials to identify lawbreakers.
Photo: "Peculiarities of the Ear," from The Bertillon System of Identification by Alphonse Bertillon, 1896: collection of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
For more facts like this one, follow us on Facebook!
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Each week, Eastern State staff read an article on current corrections for group discussion. We also feature the weekly article in our exhibit Prisons Today so that visitors can read and discuss with one another and with our staff. We hope you'll join us too! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.
A record 21 lifers are up for commutation in Pa. Does this presage a new era for the Board of Pardons?
Samantha Melamed, Inquirer.com,
September 10, 2019; Photo: Jose Moreno
"'We need to reevaluate and ask ourselves as a community, how much is enough?' [Lt. Gov. John] Fetterman said in an interview. 'Is that 25 years? Thirty years? Thirty-five? Forty? We have inmates in our system. who have done 40 years and never taken a life directly. I think it's critical that we examine that and, when it merits it, make sure we give them another chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.'"
Read More >
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Every month, we're offering discounts on your favorite Eastern State merchandise. This month, is your chance to get a little piece of Eastern State history to wear on your keys. Get 10% off our replica key keychain. Just use the code Key10 when shopping online. This offer is valid through October 31, 2019. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to be the first to learn about November's Merch of the Month!
Shop Now>
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ESP Trivia Contest: Win 4 film vouchers to the 28th Philadelphia Film Festival! |
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Last month's trivia question was, "What are the names of our two gargoyles that emerge from hibernation every year during Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary?"
The correct answer was Frank and Carson. Congratulations to Carol Ann Schumann who won a Terror Behind the Walls prize pack!
October Trivia Question: There is a memorial plaque at the penitentiary's center that commemorates Eastern State prisoners who were killed in the line of duty. Which war did these prisoners fight in?
This month's prize is 4 film vouchers to the 28th Philadelphia Film Festival (Festival runs from October 17 - 27; Excludes Opening, Closing, and Gala Films).
Click here to submit your entry.
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Instagram Photo of the Month |
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Courtesy of @cyndiburgin
Tag us on Instagram for your chance to be featured.
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Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
(215) 236-3300 | www.EasternState.org
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