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April 22, 2025, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Online Teachback: Forced Labor in U.S. Prisons
Free professional development workshop for educators. Online via Zoom. Advance registration required. Engage with fellow educators at this professional development opportunity made for teachers, led by teachers. Featuring a presentation by Jennifer Turner (Principal Human Rights Researcher, ACLU Human Rights Program) titled "The Persistence of Forced Labor in U.S. Prisons," a classroom lesson discussion with Kim Barben (Great Valley High School), and interactive activity led by Eastern State educators.
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April 26, 2025, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Justice 101: Reentry Simulation
Included with admission. In person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Advance registration required. Through a hands-on reentry simulation, participants will learn about and reflect on some of the many structural challenges people face when returning home from prison.
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May 7, 2025, 5:30 pm – July 2, 2025, 9:30 pm
Wednesday Nights
Wednesday evenings, May 7 to July 2. $17 online in advance, $20 at the door. Enjoy immersive experiences, interactive events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Philadelphia’s most unique landmarks. With a different theme each week, Wednesday Nights provide a fun and meaningful night out—combining history, culture, and entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting.
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May 8, 2025, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Hybrid Teachback: The Signs We Don't See
Free professional development workshop for educators. In person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Online via Zoom. Advance registration required. Engage with fellow educators at this professional development opportunity made for teachers, led by teachers. Featuring a presentation by Bryan Widenhouse (State Legislative Affairs Manager, FAMM) titled "The Signs We Don't See," classroom lesson discussions led by experienced educators Emily Bohn and Rachel Vecchione-Mitchell, and an interactive activity led by Eastern State educators.
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May 14, 2025, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Justice 101: The History of Solitary Confinement in America
Free. Online via Zoom. Advance registration required. Join us for a deep dive into the origins of solitary confinement at Eastern State Penitentiary — a practice originally intended to encourage reflection and repentance — and how it became a widespread and controversial punishment. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at ESPHS archives and other powerful spaces not typically open to the public.
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May 23, 2025 – May 26, 2025
Memorial Day Weekend 2025
Join us May 24-27 as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of public tours at ESPHS and reflect on the importance of military service during Eastern State’s operational years.
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May 25, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
May 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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June 1, 2025, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
In-Person Scout Day: Architecture
$21 per person. Advance registration required. Eastern State invites members of Scouting America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and all youth to join us for In-Person Scout Day: Architecture. Led by our engaging staff, learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary's history, the building's unique design, the ethics of prison architecture, and careers in architecture and historic preservation.
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June 28, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
June 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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July 26, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
July 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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August 30, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
August 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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September 27, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
September 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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October 26, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
October 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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November 8, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
November 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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November 15, 2025, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
In-Person Scout Day: Architecture
$21 per person. Advance registration required. Eastern State invites members of Scouting America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and all youth to join us for In-Person Scout Day: Architecture. Led by our engaging staff, learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary's history, the building's unique design, the ethics of prison architecture, and careers in architecture and historic preservation.
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December 7, 2025, 11:00 am – 2:15 pm
Virtual Scout Day: Architecture
$17 per participant. Online via Zoom. Advance registration required. Eastern State invites members of Scouting America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and all youth to join us for Virtual Scout Day: Architecture. Led by our engaging staff, learn more about Eastern State Penitentiary's history, the building's unique design, the ethics of prison architecture, and careers in architecture and historic preservation.
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December 27, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
December 2025: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Included with admission, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online to secure your spot. An Eastern State educator leads a Guide-Led Tour and Discussion in partnership with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter from Hands UP Productions.
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