Eastern State Reaches 90% of Welcome Center Funding Goal Ahead of 2026

PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 17, 2026) — Eastern State has reached 90 percent of its fundraising goal for a new Welcome Center in Fairmount, marking a major milestone as Philadelphia prepares to welcome the world in 2026.

The milestone follows a newly awarded $807,500 grant from the William Penn Foundation, who is providing lead support for the Welcome Center project. With this investment, Eastern State now enters the final fundraising phase and is actively seeking support to close the remaining 10 percent needed to complete the project.

The Welcome Center will round out A Time for Liberty, Eastern State’s Semiquincentennial initiative examining the evolving meaning of freedom and justice as the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. Located between the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Lemon Hill — the site of the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival — Eastern State is positioned to welcome national and international visitors exploring Philadelphia during this historic moment and for years to come.

A Time for Liberty is made possible with support from civic and cultural partners, including the City of Philadelphia, America250PA, Campus250, the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the National Trust Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“Philadelphia will be on the global stage in 2026,” said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State. “Reaching 90 percent funding for the Welcome Center ensures we are ready to meet that moment. This investment strengthens critical visitor infrastructure while advancing our commitment to dignity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement with complex history.”

Strengthening the Visitor Experience
When Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829, it became the first government building with flush toilets and central heat. Even the White House had no running water, and the president, Andrew Jackson, used a chamber pot. Since reopening for tours in 1994, following a 23-year period of abandonment, Eastern State has operated without permanent public restrooms. The new Welcome Center addresses this need while improving how visitors arrive, orient themselves, and begin their experience on site.

The Welcome Center will include:

• Universal-design public restrooms, including ADA-accessible stalls, family-friendly amenities, accessible sink heights, and tactile signage
• A staffed visitor orientation hub with multilingual signage and clear wayfinding
• A gathering space with seating and a hydration station
• Lighting, safety, and signage improvements

As a historic site that explores complex and often challenging subject matter, Eastern State recognizes that the visitor experience begins before guests encounter exhibits or installations. Providing clear orientation, accessible facilities, and welcoming arrival spaces helps ensure visitors can focus on learning and engagement from the moment they arrive.

Today, 93 percent of visitors report learning something new about the justice system during their visit. By investing in essential infrastructure and an improved arrival experience, Eastern State is strengthening its ability to serve growing audiences at a pivotal moment for Philadelphia.

Further details about the Welcome Center will be announced as the project progresses.

Community members and philanthropic partners interested in helping Eastern State close the final 10 percent of funding are encouraged to visit EasternState.org to learn more about the project and opportunities to contribute.

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Media Contact
Abby Kleman
Cashman & Associates
[email protected]
M: 302-668-4781

About Eastern State
Eastern State preserves America’s first penitentiary, advancing public understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of those affected by it, to inspire a more just future. For more information, visit EasternState.org and follow Eastern State on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.