Eastern State Penitentiary c. 1913: collection of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
6-12
This lesson can be used in (though not limited to) Social Studies, American History, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, General Mathematics, and U.S. Government and Politics. This lesson plan will allow students to understand the impact of the Progressive Movement in greater detail. Time Period: 1890s-1930 Topics to visit/expand upon: Social Studies, Criminal Justice, Government and Politics, Sociology, Psychology, and General Mathematics.
Rising high over the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Eastern State Penitentiary’s imposing gothic façade continues to intimidate anyone who passes. When the penitentiary opened in 1829, the outside walls were designed to create fear in those who viewed it, while the inside was meant to reform and inspire penitence, or true regret, in the inmates housed there. Through a system of separate confinement with labor, inmates would learn a trade and spend their time alone, in silence, only interacting with a moral instructor and other prison administrators. The world watched as this great experiment was carried out, waiting to see if this method would “cure” crime.
As the years passed, the events outside the high walls of Eastern State affected the penitentiary. This was a time in American history when great changes were taking place. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, creating the need for cheap labor, which attracted millions of immigrants seeking the American Dream of prosperity through hard work. With the rise in population came a rise in crime. More and more convicts were sent to Eastern State. However, there were not enough cells to keep the inmates separate. The separate system faced strong criticism, and by 1913, Eastern State abandoned the system that had made it famous. The penitentiary turned instead to the congregate system, housing inmates together— similar to the system used in prisons today.
This historic lesson is based on the Eastern State Penitentiary, located in the Fairmount section of the city of Philadelphia. This lesson is one of two in a series of lesson plans bringing relevant stories of the penitentiary into the classrooms. This lesson plan focuses on the Progressive Era (1890s through 1930), and its impact on the changing thoughts of penology in the American society. Sources used for this lesson plan are maps and photographs located directly on Eastern State Penitentiary’s website and primary sources such as newspaper articles of the time. Eastern State Penitentiary is on the National Register of Historic Places under file name and registration number: Eastern State Penitentiary #66000680. This lesson plan was designed by Jade Tuff (Academy at Palumbo) and Mark Hoey (Philadelphia High School for Girls) both located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This lesson plan’s activities can be used to address many of the Common Core Standards for Grades 6-12:
The materials listed below can either be used directly on the computer or can be printed out for student use.
For faster load times, you can also download sections of Lesson Plan 2 separately:
A field trip to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is an experience that allows your students to learn history and become engaged in historic inquiry. Through an interactive tour, students will use Eastern State Penitentiary’s 142-year history as a lens to examine the larger story of American History..
Class tours are tailored to the grade level or college year of your group. When you are booking your tour, please let us know what your students are currently studying, their education level, and if you have specific interests, such as religious influence, architecture, criminal justice or escapes. Our school tours are designed to address a variety of academic standards for elementary through high school students, available for download from Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Although private group tours are available throughout the year at Eastern State Penitentiary, cold weather can make winter and early spring tours a very chilling experience. We recommend group tours between April 1 and November 30.
Recommended for students 10 years of age and older. Tours are not recommended for children under the age of seven (7). Led by a member of our guide staff. Limited to groups of 15 to 125. 1 hour.
For more information, visit Eastern State Penitentiary’s group tour page.
