Eastern State’s April Lineup Explores Civil Rights and Criminal Justice Through Film, Tours, and Art

Philadelphia, PA (April 1, 2026) — This April, Eastern State invites visitors to engage with its dynamic Justice 101 series, bringing together leading voices in civil rights, criminal justice, and public policy. Through screenings and live conversations, these programs examine the systems shaping incarceration today while connecting historical narratives to urgent issues impacting communities across the country.

As part of Eastern State’s ongoing A Time for Liberty initiative, April programming also includes the final days of Spring Break: The Great Escape, along with interactive experiences, daily tours, and special events that encourage deeper reflection on justice, storytelling, and the human experience within the site’s historic walls.

“April at Eastern State offers a range of programs that invite visitors to engage more directly with the history and ongoing impact of the criminal justice system,” said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO. “We’re especially excited about this month’s Justice 101 programming, which brings timely conversations and new perspectives into the space, alongside art activities, religious life tours, and daily programming that connects the past to the issues shaping our world today.”

Eastern State’s April calendar features:

Spring Break: The Great Escape: Stories of Resistance and Creativity at Eastern State
Friday, March 27 – Sunday, April 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Included with Admission
Eastern State continues its Spring Break programming with immersive experiences centered on stories of resistance and creativity. As part of the “A Time for Liberty” initiative, visitors can take part in hands-on activities, storytelling, and historical interpretation. Through interactive tours, pop-up talks, music, poetry, and participatory experiences, Spring Break at Eastern State explores how incarcerated individuals have drawn on creativity, art, faith, and humor within a system designed to contain, control, and isolate.

Jewish History Self-Guided Tour
Wednesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Included with Admission
In honor of Passover, visitors are invited to explore the rich and often overlooked stories of Jewish prisoners and the community connected to Eastern State Penitentiary. This self-guided walking tour takes visitors through key locations within the grounds, including the first synagogue in an American prison, while highlighting personal narratives, cultural traditions, and the broader historical context of Jewish life in Philadelphia during the prison’s operation.

Drop-In Art Activity with Mark Loughney
Saturday, April 4, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Included with Admission
Philadelphia-based artist Mark Loughney invites visitors to participate in a family-friendly, hands-on art activity inspired by his exhibition Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration. Drawing on themes of transformation through insect imagery, participants will create original artwork while exploring ideas of growth, resilience, and change. Loughney will offer demonstrations and creative guidance, encouraging experimentation with shapes, patterns, and textures. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Visitors may drop in at any time during the workshop as space allows.

Justice 101: From Rosa Parks to Joan Little: A Screening and Conversation about Civil Rights and Criminal Justice Education
Thursday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
Join Eastern State for a screening of the documentary Free Joan Little, followed by a discussion with director Yoruba Richen. Moderated by David Olson of Retro Report, the conversation explores the roles of Rosa Parks and Joan Little in advancing civil rights, women’s rights, and prison reform. The program highlights how their stories continue to shape conversations around justice and education, and how secondary teachers and parents can use their stories to educate and inspire the young learners of today. A reception will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., followed by the screening and discussion from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and guests can reserve their spot here.

In-Person Scout Day
Sunday, April 19, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Eastern State invites members of Scouting America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and youth audiences to participate in In-Person Scout Day: Architecture. Led by Eastern State’s staff, this interactive program features discussions and activities exploring the history and design of the world’s first penitentiary. Participants will examine the site’s architectural influence, reflect on the ethics of prison design, and learn about careers in architecture and historic preservation. Scouts will also have the opportunity to meet badge requirements. Timed entry tickets are required and can be purchased here.

Justice 101: Prison Gerrymandering
Thursday, April 23, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Virtual via Zoom and YouTube
Join Eastern State for a conversation on prison gerrymandering, a practice that distorts the democratic process by counting incarcerated individuals in the districts where they are imprisoned rather than in their home communities. The program will examine how this system operates and its broader impact on communities across the country, featuring Rory Kramer, Associate Professor of Sociology at Villanova University; Carol Kuniholm, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chair of Fair Districts PA; Andrew McGinley, Vice President of External Affairs for the Committee of Seventy; and Briana Remster, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Villanova University. Moderated by Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State, the discussion brings together leading voices in electoral justice and carceral reform. A reception will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., followed by the discussion from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and guests can reserve their spot here.

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Media Contact
Abby Kleman
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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.