ESP creates new Theatrical Director position for Terror Behind the Walls

Apr 21, ’08

Terror Behind the Walls veteran manager, Nathan Edmondson, will serve as the event’s first Theatrical Director. As part of the newly created position, Edmondson will be responsible for all aspects of the show’s theatrical elements, including training and coaching over 100 actors that staff the event’s five haunted attractions.

Nathan Edmondson joined Terror Behind the Walls in 2002 as the manager of the Medical Ward and has managed many of the event’s attractions over the years. In addition to scaring people, he has experience in the traditional theatre community in Philadelphia, performing with EgoPo Productions, Flashpoint Theatre Company, Once Upon a Nation (as Thomas Jefferson) and the Arden Theater. In the Comedy Improv world, he’s a member of the popular troupe, the Rare Bird Show, and an instructor for the Philadelphia Improv Theater.

ESP Documentary Screening at Newport Beach Film Festival

Apr 14, ’08

Eastern State: Living Behind the Walls, a documentary which explores the history and significance of the world’s first penitentiary, will have its West Coast premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2008. Set a few blocks from the coastline and less than an hour from Hollywood, the Newport Film Festival draws 40,000 attendees to its multicultural screenings, tributes, seminars, and post-screening Q&A’s. Eastern State: Living Behind the Walls is directed by Philadelphia native Tony Alosi, with music composed by Cody Westheimer.

For more information on the film or to view the trailer, visit the Eastern State: Living Behind the Walls website.

For more information on the Newport Beach Film Festival, visit www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.

Eastern State Penitentiary has "Lights Out" for Climate Change

Mar 25, ’08

On Saturday, March 29 from 8 pm to 9 pm, Eastern State Penitentiary will have its first official “Lights Out” in over 30 years. The historic site will be turning off all perimeter and interior lights (street lights will remain on) to show support for Earth Hour, an international climate change program.

Earth Hour, devised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), addresses the effects of global warming by encouraging businesses and individuals to reduce greenhouse emissions by turning off their lights for one hour. The object of the campaign “is to continue to be energy efficient beyond Earth Hour, making small actions everyday to achieve our goal in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.”

Nearly 200,000 businesses and individuals worldwide have shown their concern for the future of the environment by registering online to take part in the event this year. For more information or to sign up for Earth Hour, visit http://www.earthhour.org

2008 Regular Season Kicks Off With Rare Glimpse of Long Abandoned Synagogue

Mar 5, ’08

It has been more than three and half decades since the last Jewish service at Eastern State Penitentiary, but the small synagogue, tucked into an alleyway off Cellblock 7, still feels like a holy place. The Readers’ Table still faces the arc, the room is still lined with benches, and sunlight still falls through the skylights onto the tile floor. But very few people—aside from a handful of archeologists, preservationists, and funders--have seen the room during the past 35 years. It has never been open to the public.

Eastern State Penitentiary’s beautiful, long-abandoned synagogue opens to the public for the first time ever, and for one weekend only.

Reservations are strongly recommended for the Lost Synagogue Tours. Call (215) 236-5111 x14.

For more information about the synagogue and the Lost Synagogue Weekend visit our events page.

Construction Begins on Cellblock 7

Mar 4, ’08

The replacement of three massive skylights is the first step in
Stabilizing Cellblock 7. The sole remaining skylight is currently being
conserved and restored and will be used as the model to create two new matching skylights.

The clerestory sections below the frames will be reconstructed and clad in
galvanized steel. Because Cellblock 7 is surrounded by other buildings on
three sides, it is impossible for a crane to lift the skylights from the
ground directly onto the clerestories on the cellblock roof. Architects
from S. Harris and Co. came up with a unique solution to solve this
dilemma by the creation of a rail system which will allow the crews to maneuver the skylights into place.

In January, workers from Munn Roofing Corp. and S&S Quality Services Inc., constructed a rail system on the roof of Cellblock 7. Meanwhile Ironworkers from Northeast Fencing fabricated the two matching skylights in their shop and then assembled them at Eastern State. Once the skylight frames are ready and the clerestories complete by S& S Quality Services, Inc., a crane will be brought into the site to lift the frames up to the rail system – where they will be rolled across and secured to the clerestories. Finally, everything will be reglazed and the rail system will be removed. Once this phase of the project is complete in April, construction will begin on replacing the roofing structure of the cellblock with a new “Duraslate” roof, guaranteed to last 50 years.

The Cellblock 7 stabilization project is made possible with historic grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant Program - Honorable Governor Edward Rendell, City of Philadelphia Cultural Corridors Fund, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Heritage Philadelphia Program, supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by The University of the Arts; and from proceeds from Eastern State’s annual Halloween Fundraiser Terror Behind the Walls (2005 and 2006).

ESP Documentary to Premier at Park City Film Music Festival

Jan 23, ’08

(January, 2008) Eastern State: Living Behind The Walls, a documentary highlighting Eastern State Penitentiary's history and current imprisonment policies, will have its world premier at the fifth annual Park City Film Music Festival in Utah on January 21, 2008. The festival is the first in the world created to recognize the contribution of composers and their music to film. Awards are given to films featured at the festival based on their categories. Eastern State: Living Behind The Walls, directed by Philadelphia native Tony Alosi, with music composed by Cody Westheimer, will be competing for Best Use of Music in a Documentary Film.

For more information on the film or to view the trailer visit the Eastern State: Living Behind The Walls website.

For more information on the Park City Film Music Festival visit www.parkcityfilmmusicfestival.com.

Notable Inmates Section Added to Website

Jan 23, ’08

(January, 2008) While many visitors are familiar with some of Eastern State’s more notorious inmates, like Al Capone of Willie Sutton, most of the over 80,000 men and women that served time during the penitentiary’s 142 years of operation remain a mystery. The majority of Eastern State’s inmates were far from famous, though many do have very interesting stories to tell. For example, after his release, Charles Yerkes went on to help design and finance public transportation systems in Chicago and London.

Francis X. Dolan, Eastern State Penitentiary Site Manager and author of the Images of America book Eastern State Penitentiary, has created a Notable Inmates Page on the website. This new page currently contains information about eight inmates. In the coming months, Mr. Dolan will continue to add information about additional inmates and may even expand the section to include information about Officers and staff.

Winter Tour Lunch Packages Now Available

Jan 16, ’08

(January, 2008) Several wonderful Fairmount restaurants, all just steps from E.S.P., now offer special Winter Adventure Tour Lunch packages. Packages begin at just $20 and include your Winter Adventure Tour ticket. Simply make your reservations by contacting the restaurant directly.

Jack's Firehouse
(215) 232-9000

London Grill
(215) 978-4545

Rembrandt's
(215) 763-2228

Winter Adventure Tours Expanded

Jan 16, ’08

(January, 2008)

An hour-long tour of the beautiful, winter cellblocks with an expert guide and a cup of hot chocolate!

Our new Winter Adventure Tours have been so popular that we have added additional tours. Our expanded Winter Tour Schedule is:

Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend tours. Tickets can be reserved by phone: (215) 236-3300, or purchased at the door, subject to availability.

ESP Hires First Assistant Director for Development

Jan 16, ’08

(January, 2008) In January 2008, Eastern State Penitentiary made its nineth addition to the full time staff: our new Assistant Director for Development Elyssa Kane.

Elyssa has worked with nonprofits in the Philadelphia region for more than 20 years. At Eastern State Penitentiary, she is bringing together her development experience with her previous museum experience at institutions such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum. She most recently worked for 5½ years with Opportunity Finance Network, a national organization working to increase economic opportunity and provide financing to low-income communities. Prior to that, she provided development and strategic planning services to a variety of human service, educational, and environmental organizations. Elyssa earned her MBA from Georgetown University and her BA in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania.

2008 Events Calendar Announced

Jan 15, ’08

(January, 2008) Our complete 2008 event schedule is now available. Here are a few highlights:


* 2008 Artist Reception: May 9
* Alumni Reunion: May 17
* Prison Food Weekend: June 21 and 22
* Bastille Day: July 12
* Terror Behind the Walls: Sept. 19 - Nov. 1, select nights

Please see our events page for event times, pricing and details.

Fallen ESP Officer Honored

Jan 11, ’08

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site's records reveal at least three instances where staff members lost their lives in the line of duty. On June 24, 2007, The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation recognized one such officer, Edwin H. Lichtenberger, as part of the Annual National Memorial Service for Fallen Correctional Officers and Personnel of the Year 2006. The foundation presented Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site with a plaque in honor of Lichtenberger who was killed by an inmate in 1944.

On July 17, 1944 at 4:30 AM, inmate D-1264 Steven Saunders escaped from his cell by cutting the sliding bar on his cell door in Cellblock 5. He left a bundle of blankets and a dummy head in his bed to fool the guards on patrol and joined a group of inmate kitchen workers passing through his cellblock on their way to their work detail.

From the kitchen yard, Saunders planned to climb to the roof where he would throw an anchor over the outside wall and use a pulley system he had constructed to carry him to the top of the wall. He then intended to lower himself to freedom using a rope made from rags. To draw the attention of the guards away from his activities on the roof and in the yard, Saunders fashioned an electrical device that would start a delayed fire in the psychiatrist's office.

However, when the electrical device did not ignite the papers Saunders laid beneath it, the kitchen yard was still guarded, and he was unable to carry his plan any further. Warden Herbert Smith believed that Saunders realized discovery was inevitable and described Saunders' final acts as "the answers to despair and the actions of a desperado frustrated."

Shortly after 6:00 AM Guard Edwin H. Lichtenberger was attacked with a hatchet by Steven Saunders. Saunders struck Lichtenberger several times in the head with the weapon before fleeing to the old library room where he took his own life with a contraband knife. Alerted by the disturbance, several guards came to Lichtenberger's aid and rushed him to the penitentiary's hospital. Lichtenberger was later taken to the University Hospital where he died twelve hours after the attack. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Although three guards as well as Deputy Warden Meikrantz and Warden Smith were later held by the Board of Trustees to be negligent in their duties, Lichtenberger himself was never mentioned as being at fault in any of the reports available at Eastern State Penitentiary. In fact, Warden Smith said, "He was an excellent officer, one in whom I had the utmost confidence." The warden further lamented Lichtenberger's death, remarking, "His brutal murder was a severe shock. One that can never be forgotten. It will stand out, a tragic picture, pointing the way to greater effort."

To our knowledge, the presentation of this plaque by The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is the first official recognition of Edwin Lichtenberger's sacrifice to the field of corrections. The plaque will further guarantee that he will never be forgotten, and ensure continued effort toward penological improvement.

Help us save the hospital solarium

Jan 11, ’08

(December, 2007) You’ve probably never seen the inside of our beautiful, fascinating hospital wing, Cellblock Three.  It’s been open for visitors only two days since we opened for tours in 1994.  On that cold November weekend of this year, hundreds of our Members and their friends filled those tours beyond capacity.  

The tours were incredible.  Our programming staff mapped a route that bridged Eastern State’s entire history, using the medical treatment of inmates as the unifying theme.  The tour included the operating rooms and recovery rooms, the Apothecary and Cell 40, an isolation chamber for inmates with psychological problems.  And the tour contained a lot of information about tuberculosis, the disease that killed Eastern State’s Inmate No. 19 in 1830 (the first death in the building), and plagued the institution during much of its history.  We even discussed the widespread return of tuberculosis to prisons, as the illness has spread to become the second most deadly disease in American prisons today.

We received many kind notes and emails from Members and friends on those tours, saying how enriching the experience was.  So why not allow all our visitors to explore the hospital block?

The hospital is in dire shape.  A “solarium” built to combat tuberculosis in 1922 sits on top of the cellblock, and its weight and leaking roof are creating severe damage to the building below.  We were even forced to distribute hard hats when our visitors toured the block this fall.

But you can help!  Our architect has designed a solution to protect and stabilize the solarium and the hospital below, and now we are raising $104,000 complete the work. Please see our Saving E.S.P. page to see how you can help with this critical project.
    

Eastern State Penitentiary Seeks Artists for 2009 Season

Dec 4, ’07

Each year, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site puts out a call to artists interested in submitting applications for a site-specific installation at the site. The deadline for artist proposals for the 2009 season will be on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 5:00 pm.

Eastern State Penitentiary now provides funding on two tracks: Exhibition Approval and Proposal Development. Proposals and deadlines for the two types of funding are nearly identical. Examples of successful proposals from previous years and a list of important dates, including the dates and times of Art Orientation Tours, can be found in the 2009 Guidelines for Artists' Proposals (Download: | ).

Think Outside the Box

Dec 4, ’07

(November, 2007) Think outside the box! This holiday season give someone on your list the gift of membership. Each recipient of a gift membership will receive a personalized gift card, ESP T-shirt, tickets for Terror Behind the Walls (2008) ranked as one of the “Top 10 Best Haunted House in the United States” by the Travel Channel, America Online and HauntWorld Magazine, plus a year of free daytime admission, behind the scenes tours, and exciting events. It's a great deal!

Need a stocking stuffer? Our online store is filled with great gifts like E.S.P. Playing Cards, Al Capone Shot Glasses, “Pep the Dog” T-Shirts and “Mug shot” Mugs.

For more information, other great Eastern State gifts or to place your order, please visit our Online Store.

Rachael Ray Show films at ESP

Oct 29, ’07

Remember when Rachael Ray made her “Yummy Mummy” with Emeril in the cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary? Well if you were the unfortunate ghoul who missed that show, be sure to watch her new talk show - Rachael Ray - on ABC (channel 6 in Philadelphia) at 10:00am on Wednesday, October 31st.

Rachael Ray Show correspondent, magician “Justin Kredible” spent the day at Eastern State Penitentiary with Terror Behind The Walls Technical Director Jason Ohlsen. Ohlsen took Justin Kredible and Rachael Ray cameras behind the scenes of Terror Behind The Walls for a special treat. Then Ohlsen reviled a few top-secret haunted house tricks.

Want to know how Terror Behind The Walls uses compressed air to frighten and spook? Curious about ghoulish make-up and goop? Watch Justin Kredible get air blasted in the haunted house then transformed with makeup by TBTW Costume and Makeup Director Kristin Phillips on the Rachael Ray Show, this Wednesday, October 31st at 10:00am on ABC.

Eastern State on Travel Channel's new show Mysterious Journeys

Oct 22, ’07

On October 26th at 9:00pm, the Travel Channel will air a new program called Mysterious Journeys. The new series will feature the "ghosts" of Eastern State Penitentiary just in time for Halloween!

This program will also feature some of Eastern's former inmates, guards, and staff members. The show will attempt to reenact events which actually took place within the prison walls.

For more information about this program as well as future dates and times the show will air, visit the Travel Channel Website.

Terror Behind the Walls Once Again Among Top Haunted Houses in America

Sep 20, ’07

HauntWorld Magazine has once again included Terror Behind the Walls on their list of “Top 13 Haunted Houses in America.” According to Editor-in-Chief of Hauntworld Magazine, Larry Kirchner, the “list highlights new standards of fear and fun at leading haunts. These attractions are being recognized for their attention to detail, high-quality special effects, and overall scare factor.”

Ranging from haunted hotels and prisons to spooky hayrides, the list represents the best haunted attractions the nation has to offer, as selected by the editors at Hauntworld Magazine. In an industry that has reached the multi-billion dollar mark, these haunts are leading the way in scream-inducing innovations.

“The haunts we’ve included are as expertly produced as any major motion picture today,” said Kirchner. “They have behind-the-scenes teams of master Hollywood special effects technicians, make-up artists, set designers, and trained actors. We’re an industry that exists to make people scream and laugh at the same time – and these haunts do just that, and more.”

Terror Behind the Walls has consistently been ranked among the top haunted houses in the United States by the Travel Channel, America Online, HauntWorld Magazine and other national publications.

“Light, camera, third act”

Sep 19, ’07

Photographer Greg Stowell brings his exhibition “Light, camera, third act” back to Philadelphia after successfully exhibiting the show in New York City (Queens) and Kansas City. Inspired by Eastern State Penitentiary, Stowell’s collection of black and white photographs “captures a place and the experience of seeing through the elements of photographic design: form, rhythm, texture, and most of all, light.”

“Light, camera, third act” a topical series of photography inspired by Eastern State Penitentiary, will be on view at "Savory off South" between October 1 – 31, 2007. There will also be a public reception on October 5th. For directions please call: 215.922.0202.

2007 Member’s Photo Contest

Sep 19, ’07

2007 marks the fifth anniversary for Eastern State’s “Member’s Only Photo Contest!” The event took place on Saturday, September 8th. During this event, members of Eastern State Penitentiary were invited to discuss, swap, and share their favorite photographs of the penitentiary with each other.

Sporting members also had the opportunity to submit one photo for each of the two judging competition categories: best color photo as well as best black-and-white photo. Serving as judge this year was none other than Tom Berault, Professor of Art, Prince George's Community College and, Curator/Director, Marlboro Gallery. This year we congratulated John Calvert for winning first prize in the black-and-white photo category, and Aaron LaTowsky for winning first prize in the color photo category.


To read about this competition’s official rules and regulation, please click here >>

Chapman University Professor Completes Documentary about Eastern State

Sep 18, ’07

Philadelphia native, Tony Alosi, has long admired and been inspired by the magnificent architecture that distinguishes Eastern State Penitentiary from other prisons. In his latest film, Eastern State: Living Behind The Walls, Alosi narrates pieces of the prison’s complex history through the voices of former prisoners, guards, and administrative staff. His documentary explores current imprisonment policies but also investigates societal beliefs on incarceration.

Mr. Alosi explains, "The stories of those who lived within these walls remind us that the human spirit can always find a way to forgive, find peace and move on."

For more information and to view a trailer of the film click here >>

Chapter on ESP in a new book

Sep 14, ’07

Just in time for Halloween, a new book by Susan Hutchison Tassin called Pennsylvania's Ghost Towns: Uncovering the Hidden Past profiles 46 locations that have been abandoned or left to ruin. These cemeteries, abandoned buildings, and roads to nowhere are all that remain of several once-thriving towns in Pennsylvania.

Does Eastern State Penitentiary qualify as a ghost town? During its 142 years in operation, Eastern State housed over 80,000 men and women. Author Susan Hutchinson argues that it is possible a number of these souls remain even today.

Pennsylvania's Ghost Towns: Uncovering the Hidden Past is available for purchase on our online store.

Two Ways To Trolley

Sep 7, ’07

Ride During The DAY...
Daily Trolley Tour: Step aboard the ESP wrapped "open-air" trolley and enjoy the view as experienced Philadelphia Trolley Works tour guides enlighten and entertain you with humorous stories and fascinating facts about Philadelphia's famous sights and attractions. Your 24-hour Pass will give you the freedom of unlimited on-and-off privileges between at any of the 20 stops throughout the day including Eastern State Penitentiary! Click here for more information

... Or Night!
There is a new way to get to Eastern State Penitentiary on fall evenings this year for Terror Behind the Walls: The Ghost Bus, Presented by Regal Entertainment Group.

Visitors who use the off-site parking lot will be shuttled to the penitentiary on an ESP wrapped historic-style trolley. During the ride to and from the penitentiary, a costumed professional storyteller will describe some of Philadelphia's most frightening ghost sightings. The parking lot is located at Broad and Spring Garden Streets, easily found off the Broad Street exit of Route 676. Parking costs just $10.00 per car. The Ghost Bus and ghost stories are free. Click here for more information.

Travel Channel’s America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions includes TBTW

Aug 23, ’07

Every autumn a frightening fever sweeps the nation from, its biggest cities to its smallest towns. It’s the annual opening of eerie exhibitions: Haunted houses, creepy mazes and frightening fairs. Abandoned prisons and decrepit cruise ships recreate scary scenes and tales of terror for chill seekers young and old to enjoy.

Each year there are new trends in the business of fear, including live performances by actors trained to terrify even the toughest customers. These attractions have morphed beyond the neighborhood haunted house and have become popular tourist destinations across the country. Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls will be one of only eight Halloween attractions featured on the program.

For the first time ever, the Travel Channel has picked America's most frightening haunts as portrayed in America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions — get ready for an edge-of-your-seat spooky ride!

Students Study Art and Architecture At ESP

Aug 21, ’07

Art has always been a part of Eastern State's culture; from inmate drawings
on cell walls and inmate murals in the Catholic Chaplain's office, to
modern architectural photography and artist installations.

In the spring of 2007, landscape painting students from Sudio Incamminati
practiced painting their architectural impressions - under the direction of
instructors Darren Kingsley and Kerry Dunn - among the beautiful, crumbling
structures that make up Eastern State Penitentiary.

Get Paid to Scare People in Prison!

Aug 20, ’07

Halloween isn't just one night at Eastern State Penitentiary. Our acclaimed event, Terror Behind the Walls presented by Lukoil, runs 26 nights from September 21 to November 3. Lot's of planning and training take place in September. Auditions and interviews are currently being held for actors, ticket handlers, line staff, box office/retail staff and storytellers. These jobs are demanding, and FUN. Many people return year after year to join our "Scream Team!" Pay starts at $8.00 per hour, more for management positions.

All staff MUST be over 18 and pass a background check. Eastern State Penitentiary is an equal opportunity employer.

For additional information, including audition dates and times, please visit our Terror Behind the Walls Hiring Page.

UPDATE: Oral Histories Appeal

Aug 20, ’07

Eastern State Penitentiary has contracted History Association Inc. to record the oral histories of ESP’s former inmates, guards, and staff. By the end of August, the memories from three former inmates, ESP’s last Rabbi, the Print Shop Supervisor, and two ESP psychologists will have been documented and recorded. In Fall 2007, Eastern State hopes to be able to fund and execute plans for at least six additional oral history records.

Interviews with former inmates, guards, and staff are essential to understanding what day-to-day life was like at the prison. Although the Eastern State Penitentiary Task Force recorded ninety hours of oral histories in the early 1990's, more than one hundred people with unrecorded histories remain.

For more information, click here >>

Old Friend Passes Away

Aug 20, ’07

Richard Griffin, better known simply as "Griff", began is career at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1953. A Korean War vet, he worked at Eastern State as a guard up until 1969, just before the penitentiary closed, when he transferred to S.C.I Graterford in Montgomery County where he continued as a correction officer until he retired from the PA Prison system.

In the late 1980's, when plans for a tour program as Eastern State were in their earliest stages, Griff was one of the first "Alumni" to return to the site. Griff was a gifted speaker and easily captivated visitors with his vivid stories of life behind the walls. He had a photographic memory and could easily recall an inmate’s name when a record only listed the number.

In 1992, he was interviewed for the penitentiary's first oral history program and in 1996 he was prominently featured in the History Channel's Big House program about Eastern State. For over a decade, he was a regular at many Eastern State events, including our annual alumni reunion, and appeared in several other television specials.

A few years ago Griff moved out of Philadelphia, making it harder for him to attend events at the penitentiary, but he made sure to continue to stay in touch with the historic site staff with regular phone calls reminiscing about the old days and keeping up to date with happenings at the historic site.

Griff passed away on July 17, 2007. We will miss him.

Portions of his 1992 oral history can be heard by visitors today on the "Voices of Eastern State" audio tour.

Former Officers and Inmates to Speak at 1961 Prison Riot Commemoration

Jul 31, ’07

On January 8th, 1961, Eastern State Penitentiary witnessed its most violent and dangerous inmate uprising. Inmates eventually took eight officers hostage, stabbing two of them with homemade knives (both survived), and took control of the prison. They even set the records room on fire in an attempt to erase inmate identities.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12 a special tour, retracing the sequence of events that took place throughout the prison complex during the riot will be offered at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. each day. At 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., former inmate Bill Barns and former officer Bill Moore, both of whom were at E.S.P. during the riot, will join members of the public for an informal Q & A session.

All events are free with admission.

Terror Behind The Walls Introduces New Attraction For 2007

Jul 31, ’07

Construction is well under weigh for the 2007 season of Terror Behind the Walls, presented by Lukoil. The creative team is currently building out ambitious plans for a new attraction inside the historic Cellblock Twelve, a three-story wing added to the Eastern State Penitentiary in 1911. The Sci-Fi Channel’s program “Ghost Hunters” declared the cellblock haunted in 2005.

The new attraction will be the largest and most sophisticated design yet at Terror Behind the Walls. It will incorporate custom-built animatronic props, high tech lighting effects, digital sound and several special effects currently being designed for the space. The overall effect will create the illusion that walls of metal bars and cell doors are electrified. The name of the new attraction will be LOCK DOWN.

“The most important thing is to keep the character of the architecture,” said Jason Ohlsen, Technical Director for Terror Behind the Walls. “Whatever we add has to look like it’s been here for a hundred years, literally. And we always try to leave the building untouched, when possible. Nobody can create better set designs than the natural environments of Eastern State Penitentiary.”

New Book By Francis X Dolan called: Eastern State Penitentiary

Jul 31, ’07

The new book by Francis X Dolan titled: Eastern State Penitentiary, will be released on Monday, August 13th, and will feature over 200 rare photographs and images from the Penitentiary's last 231 years of history. Many of the photographs in this book have recently been donated to the historic site by former officers and inmates and have never before been seen by the public.

Visitors interested in meeting the author, Francis X Dolan, and having their book signed, are welcome join us on Wednesday, August 15th for a book signing. For this day only, Historic Site and event admission is FREE with purchase of the book Eastern State Penitentiary. Stay after the signing for a special guest speaker and Summer Twilight Tours.

DarknessRadio.com/TAPS Auction Raises $8,800

Jun 1, ’07

(June, 2008) This past June, Darkness Radio and T.A.P.S., from the hit SciFi show Ghost Hunters, held a “paranormal lockdown retreat” at Eastern State Penitentiary. Over 200 people attended the sold out three day event.

TAPS Founders and lead investigators, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, led discussions about their experiences and the filming of their hit TV show, Ghost Hunters, classes about the proper use and set up of investigation equipment and, of course, a paranormal investigation of Eastern State Penitentiary.

On Friday, June 22, a Live Charity Auction, including celebrities Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Steve Gonsalves from Ghost Hunters, Chris Fleming of the TV show Dead Famous, paranormal legends John Zaffis and Rosemary Ellen Guiley, actor Alex Vincent, the young boy from the first 2 Child's Play movies and Dave and Tim of DarknessRadio.com was held to benefit Eastern State Penitentiary. A total of $8880 was raised.

The funds from the auction will be used for Eastern State’s Oral History Appeal – A program to record the irreplaceable memories of former inmates, guards, and staff. Their stories are essential to understanding what day-to-day life was like at the prison. We have recorded the stories of some of these eyewitnesses, but more than one hundred remain. “We were proud to be a part of this auction and have the field of the paranormal give back to the community it so lovingly studies. People really rallied behind the cause knowing that the money would help to restore such a valuable piece of history,” said Dave Schrader, host of Darkness Radio.

Darkness on the Edge of Town Paranormal Radio show can be heard live every Sunday night at www.DarknessRadio.com. Jason and Grant can be heard Live Saturday nights on www.630WPRO.com with their paranormal based radio show Beyond Reality and their show Ghost Hunters can be seen every Wednesday night on the Sci-Fi Channel.

Finding love in the Penitentiary!

May 27, ’07

(May, 2007) Sammy Prince, a Zone Manager for Terror Behind The Walls, met Art Bermudez, a TBTW Assistant Zone Manager, in 2002. It wasn’t exactly love at first fright for these two, as they awkwardly met because Sammy’s radio headset wasn’t working. Later, their fates were sealed after Art hosted a party for Sammy’s zone in his Center City home. Four dedicated seasons of Terror

Behind The Walls later, Art decided to propose to Sammy, in front of Eastern State Penitentiary! The two were married on May 27th, 2007, in Chestnut Hill.

Spooky coincidence: Program Director Sean Kelley and his girlfriend/TBTW box office member Sara Kube (pictured left) were dining at the remote Valley Green Inn on the night of Art and Sammy's wedding reception. A complete coincidence, but fitting for this couple!

We wish these two members of the Eastern State family the very, very best.

Students' Research Reveals New Information About Catholic Chaplain's Office

May 12, ’07

(May, 2007) In a collaborative effort between E.S.P. Assistant Program Director for Education Ang Reidell and Villanova Professor of History Charlene Mires, vital information about Eastern State Penitentiary's Catholic Chaplain's Office has been found, documented and recorded.

Lance Eisenhower, Hillary Kativa, and Michael Chornesky, each graduate students in Villanova's Public History Practicum, spent the last five months meticulously researching documents and scrutinizing artifacts from Eastern State Penitentiary's Catholic Chaplain's Office. The students gave their final report on Tuesday, May 8th to an inquiring audience during a reception at Jack's Fire House.

In each of the three half hour segments from the presentation, audience members learned of the many discoveries the researchers came across during their investigation. One important finding revealed an account from 1903 when 54 hooded prisoners received communion from Archbishop Patrick Ryan.

Funds are currently being raised for the stabilization and restoration of Eastern State's Catholic Chaplain's Office. This research will contribute significantly to the interpretation of the space when it is opened to the public in the future.

British Ghost Hunters to Explore Eastern State Penitentiary On Live, Nationwide TV

May 11, ’07

Travel Channel Brings the UK’s Most Popular Paranormal Investigation Team to the US with Seven-Hour Live Broadcast from Eastern State Penitentiary.

(May, 2007) Eastern State Penitentiary, considered by many to be America’s most historic prison, will host an unprecedented seven hour live and interactive broadcast on the Travel Channel, Most Haunted Live USA on Friday, June 1st, 2007.

Most Haunted Live, is a spinoff of the popular paranormal investigation show Most Haunted which airs on the Travel Channel in the US and on LivingTV in the United Kingdom. The June 1 program is the first broadcast from the United States and is expected to generate a wide national audience. The Most Haunted panel of paranormal investigation experts--including presenter Yvette Fielding and spiritual medium David Wells--will be armed with night vision cameras, thermal-imaging devices and other paranormal investigation tools to detect supernatural findings from within the prison walls.

The Most Haunted Live USA experience will be extended to the web, with multiple webcams streaming live images from select areas within Eastern State Penitentiary. Viewers will be able to log onto www.travelchannel.com/mosthaunted to watch all of the action from the webcams, supplementing the live broadcast. Viewers can also participate in the broadcast by e-mailing the studio with paranormal sightings, sending well wishes for the team, offering suggestions on rooms to investigate, and premonitions.

For more information visit the Travel Channel Website.

ESP and LUKOIL Receive Prestigious Award

May 10, ’07

The Art and Business Council recognized Eastern State and LUKOIL for their successful partnership to promote Terror Behind the Walls.

On May 10, the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia presented Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and LUKOIL with best Business/Arts Partnership Award for 2006. Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls has consistently been recognized as one of the top haunted attractions in the country by America Online, HauntWorld Magazine and the New York Times. Last year, LUKOIL decided the event was an unusual, yet logical vehicle for aggressively rolling out a new brand.

In an arrangement that benefited both partners, last year, in exchange for naming rights to the event, LUKOIL underwrote a publicity package valued at over a half million dollars. Included were TV commercials in both Philadelphia and New York City; placement on LUKOIL’s huge video screen in Times Square; an extensive radio campaign; prominent signage at 400 LUKOIL gas stations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and a PR campaign that resulted in features on CNN, NPR and the Travel Channel.

Terror Behind the Walls is the single largest source of income for the Historic Site. “This partnership will help put a new roof on a historically significant cellblock and will also partially fund the site’s artist installations and family tour program,” said Eastern State Program Director Sean Kelley.

The partnership also meant that LUKOIL could build a positive, fun image with thousands of potential customers who were eager to pick up coupons. “This partnership is one of the most successful collaborations I have ever seen,” said LUKOIL Brand Manager George Wilkins.

Looking to the future, Wilkins added, “We expect this partnership to continue to grow and strengthen over time.” In 2007, Terror Behind the Walls presented by LUKOIL will be open select nights from September 21 to November 3.

Eastern State Penitentiary Hires New Marketing Manager

May 7, ’07

(May, 2007) We are pleased to announce the eighth addition to the full time staff here at Eastern State Penitentiary, our new Marketing Manager Sara Bartolain. Sara will become the latest member of our outstanding administrative team in spring 2007.

Sara is pictured here with fellow ESP staff (from Left to Right): Brett Bertolino, Jason Ohlsen, Francis Dolan, Ang Reidell, Sally Elk, Sara Bartolain, Erica Green, and Sean Kelley.

Sara joins us from Portland, Oregon, where she was the Director of Events for the Lawrence Galleries. Sara is thrilled about her new position as Eastern State Penitentiary's Marketing Manager and looks forward to working for America's most historic prison!

E.S.P. Included in New Ghost Book About America’s Jails

Apr 7, ’07

Author Joan Upton Hall has put together a collection of spooky tales that will be thoroughly enjoyed by fans of the paranormal, especially by those readers with a particular interest in old jails and prisons.

Author Joan Upton has compiled ghost stories from 40 of America’s jails and prisons -- from an old Salem Witch Jail from the 1600's to a Charleston Civil War prison for pirates to Philadelphia’s own Eastern State Penitenitiary. These haunting stories written by a group of versatile authors from various backgrounds, appeal to the reader's imagination and capture the dark mood of these jails, bringing to life the misery and violence that once took place there. The fact that many of the jails and prisons are now restaurants, inns, offices, shops and museums is interesting.

The chapters are arranged in chronological order from the oldest to the newest haunting, and each story is accompanied by an author photo and bio. Some of the authors are host hunters, psychics, and correctional officers.

Ghostly Tales from America’s Jails is available in our online store.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Exhibits Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary

Mar 27, ’07

The Philadelphia Museum of Art will display photographs of Eastern State Penitentiary made by James Fee, from April 21, 2007 to November 4, 2007. The images are part of an exhibit titled “Particulars of Place: Photo Portfolios from the Collection.”

Curator Katherine Ware writes:

“California-based James Fee made his series of photographs there in 1995, using views of the penitentiary's storeroom, machine shop, and infirmary to record some of the left-behind objects that hint at the lives of former inmates. The artist made his negatives using a nineteenth-century wet-plate photographic process and employed other techniques to diffuse the detail of his subjects. The resulting hazy, imperfect quality of his prints suggest the passage of time and, by offering only indistinct glimpses of the penitentiary, reminds us of the many untold stories within its walls.”

Learn more here: http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/special/269.html?page=1

New Summer Twilight Tours Announced

Feb 27, ’07

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site will be open for "Summer Twilight Tours" Wednesday evenings until 8:00 p.m. during the months of June, July and August.

In conjunction with these new twilight tours, many of the wonderful restaurants in the Fairmount area will be offering special "prison themed" dinner packages. Dinner Package prices and details will be announced in April.

Give an Eastern State gift this holiday season

Nov 27, ’06

Think outside the box! This holiday season give someone on your list the gift of membership. Each recipient of a gift membership will receive a personalized gift card, ESP T-shirt, tickets for Terror Behind the Walls (2007) ranked the "5th best Haunted House in the United States" by AOL City Guide, plus a year of free daytime admission, behind the scenes tours, and exciting events. It's a great deal!

Need a stocking stuffer? Our online store is filled with great gifts like E.S.P. Playing Cards, Al Capone Shot Glasses, "Pep the Dog" T-Shirts and "Mug shot" Mugs.

For more information, other great Eastern State gifts or to place your order, please visit our Online Store.

Eastern State Penitentiary Seeks Artists for 2008 Season

Nov 26, ’06

The Arts Review Committee announces 2008 Guidelines for Artists' Proposals.

Each year, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site puts out a call to artists interested in submitting applications for a site-specific installation at the site. The deadline for artist proposals for the 2008 season will be on Monday, June 18, 2007.

Examples of successful proposals from previous years and a list of important dates, including the dates and times of Art Orientation Tours, can be found in the 2008 Guidelines for Artists' Proposals.

New Book about Prison Food at E.S.P. Now Available

Nov 25, ’06

In his latest book, CHOW: Food and Drink In Eastern State Penitentiary, Dr. Norman Johnston provides an in depth and often humorous look at the history of feeding during Eastern State's 142 years in operation.

As part of this special introductory offer, Dr. Johnston has signed the first 200 copies of CHOW: Food and Drink In Eastern State Penitentiary.

To place your order, visit our Online Store.

Dr. Johnston is one of the foremost experts on prison architecture today and is the author of Eastern State Penitentiary: Crucible of Good Intentions, Forms of Constraint, Outta Here: Escapes from Eastern State Penitentiary and The Human Cage. He is a Professor Emeritus at Arcadia University and is a Director for both Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. (Secretary) and the Pennsylvania Prison Society (Emeritus Director).

New Ghost Book Features E.S.P.

Oct 27, ’06

In the new book, Haunted Pennsylvania, Mark Nesbitt and Patty A. Wilson reveal stories about some of the ghosts and other strange phenomena found throughout the Keystone State.

This collection of over three dozen frightening stories, includes the Civil War ghosts of Gettysburg, spirits at John Brown's tannery, the fiddling ghost of Potter County, hauntings at the Eastern State Penitentiary, the mysterious indelible handprint, and many more.

Haunted Pennsylvania is available in our online store.

2006 "Members' Only" Photo Contest Winners Announced!

Sep 27, ’06

The fourth annual "Members' Only" Photo Contest was held on September 10. Eastern State members were invited to compare and swap their Eastern State Photos.

In addition, each Member had the opportunity to submit one color and one black and white photograph for our 2006 Members' Only photo competition. The photos were judged by Tom Berault, Professor of Art, Prince George's Community College and, Curator/Director, Marlboro Gallery. Mark Wales took the top prize in the color division and Patrick Esmonde took the top prize in the black and white divisions.

Read more >>

Terror Behind the Walls Moves Up in National Rankings... Again!

Sep 26, ’06

: AOL City Guide "the nation's largest and the internet's most popular online entertainment guide" has ranked Terror Behind the Walls as one of the "Top 13 Haunted Houses Across America" for the second year in a row. Terror Behind the Walls was the only haunted attraction from Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware to be included on the list.

The list includes twelve other "destination haunts," attractions that draw Halloween enthusiasts nationwide for their unique, one-of-a-kind environments, including Netherworld (#2), in Atlanta, GA, whose makeup and costuming are considered by many to be best in the industry and The Darkness (#6), in Saint Louis, MO, innovators of numerous ticketing, crowd management and production design breakthroughs.

In recent years, Terror Behind the Walls has consistently been ranked as one of the top haunted attractions in the nation. Previous recognitions include: "One of Bloody Mary's Favorite Haunted Houses" by The Tales of Bloody Mary (Issue #8, 2006); "6th Best Haunted House in the United States" by AOL City Guide, (2005); "Best Haunted Attraction" by The Scare Factor! (2005); "9th Best Haunted House in the United States" by HauntWorld Magazine (2004) and "Best Professional Haunted House" by Hauntfreaks.com (2003).