2001: The Lives of Two Prisoners
$25,000.

Restoration and interpretation of two period cells for use on our tour route. The inmates illustrate the ways in which Eastern State changed throughout its 142 year history.

This addition to our tour features two cells restored to tell the stories of specific inmates at specific times in the penitentiary's history. John Currin, Inmate No. 6, served from 1829 to 1830 for horse theft. His cell has an historic wooden floor and has been replastered and restored to appear as it did during Currin’s incarceration. The exercise yard door was reopened and the original fixtures in the cell were rebuilt. Richard "Cochise" Bell, Inmate E-8904, served time at Eastern State from 1958 to 1970. His cell features audio clips of his Eastern State memories and photographs of him, then and now.

Funded by: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ($12,500), Dolfinger McMahon ($5,000), Dr. Norman Johnston ($5,000), and 2000 Halloween Fundraiser ($2,500).