Members only. Registration required. In-Person.

For centuries, Quakers have played a role in prison reform. In 1800s Philadelphia, the Quaker tenets of silence and reflection inspired Eastern State Penitentiary’s revolutionary separate system. Several wardens and a myriad of Eastern State staff and visitors were Quakers, and all hoped that the penitentiary would encourage penitence and transform the lives of its inhabitants for the better. Today, many practicing Quakers continue to advocate for change within our criminal justice system.

Meet staff from Arch Street Meeting House as they discuss how Quaker beliefs have influenced parishioners’ commitment to prison reform, the Quaker origins of Eastern State, and this faith’s continuing influence in prisons today.

This event is free for all members. Reserve free tickets online or call 215-236-5111 x224. 

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Questions? Email us at [email protected]

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Jennifer Gray has been employed at numerous historic institutions in Philadelphia since 2011, including Historic Philadelphia, Inc., Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Betsy Ross House (where she portrayed Betsy herself). Always passionate about the unconventional teaching experience found at historic properties, she has a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's degree in Education, both from Arcadia University. Jenn was named as one of Arcadia's inaugural 40 Under 40 Alumni in 2018, awarded the May Kean Raynolds Graduate Fellowship at Liberty Hall Museum & Gardens in 2020, and recently began tutoring students through the local organization Teach. She joined the staff at Arch Street Meeting House in 2021.