Members only. Registration required. Hybrid.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, explore the complex and fascinating history of Irish immigrants incarcerated at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Throughout the late 1800s, Irish immigrants in Philadelphia, and across the state of Pennsylvania, struggled against anti-Irish sentiment and prejudiced systems. As massive cultural changes and bouts of mob violence raged on, hundreds of Irish immigrants took the law into their own hands to fight for justice. Many found themselves incarcerated at Eastern State Penitentiary, including members of the infamous Molly Maguires, a group of Northeast Pennsylvania coal miners and labor activists who fought for workers’ rights and fairer wages for Irish Americans.

Tour Programs Supervisor Matt Murphy will lead an insightful conversation about the experiences of Irish prisoners at Eastern State, including the Molly Maguires, and what their stories reveal about the anti-Irish anxieties and unionbusting policies of 19th century Pennsylvania.

This event is free for all members. To reserve free tickets online, visit this page. Log in using your Member ID and the Primary Member's last name. Choose the date of the event you wish to attend, add the desired number of free tickets to your order, and check out.

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Questions? Email us at [email protected] or call 215-236-5111 x224.