September 16 - 20, 2024

As part of our larger commitment to honoring civic celebrations, we're presenting a weeklong celebration, titled Democracy For All, that kicks off with Youth250 on Monday, September 16 and culminates with thematic public programs through Friday, September 20.

Monday, September 16:

Eastern State Penitentiary serves as host site for Youth250, cultivating youth participation in the United States Semiquincentennial. Made By Us, the nationwide network of museums and historic sites empowering Gen Z civic participation, leads the invitation-only workshop all day at the historic site.

In order to accommodate Youth250, Eastern State Penitentiary is closed to the public on Monday, September 16.

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Tuesday, September 17 - film each hour on the hour; panel at 2:00 pm:

ESPHS presents four screenings of Annenberg Public Policy Center’s film The Eighth Amendment: Cruel and Unusual Punishment throughout the day, plus a discussion with a panel of experts, including Marsha Levick from the Juvenile Law Center, Bryan Widenhouse from the National Life Without Parole Leadership Council, and Dr. Teressa Ravenell from Villanova University at 2:00 p.m. Included with admission to the historic site. The 2:00 p.m. panel will also be live-streamed on Zoom; register here to join virtually.

ESPHS also offers hands-on activities, pop-up talks, and behind-the-scenes tours related to the theme of democracy for all. Included with admission to the historic site.

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Wednesday, September 18:

ESPHS offers hands-on activities, pop-up talks, and behind-the-scenes tours related to the theme of democracy for all. Included with admission to the historic site.

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Thursday, September 19:

TED Democracy Fireside Chat. Presented by Visit Philadelphia, the TED Democracy features a series of high-profile events over three years centered around the concepts and pillars that are essential to preserving modern democracy. The second program of the series takes place at Eastern State Penitentiary, highlighting the power of participating in a democratic society. Hosted by moderator and political commentator Sally Kohn, the event features thought-provoking TED Talks from some of the nation’s most influential voices for voting change:

• Desmond Meade, a formerly homeless returning citizen who now serves as president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, a grassroots organization that has helped restore voting rights to more than 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions.
• Katie Fahey, citizen changemaker and executive director of The People, who led a successful movement in her home state of Michigan against gerrymandering — the practice of drawing district lines to favor one political party over others.

The event takes place in person at Eastern State Penitentiary at 5:00 p.m. with additional community watch parties throughout Philadelphia (locations TBA). This event is free; reservations are required: VisitPhilly.com.

The TED Democracy Fireside Chat initiative brings together big thinkers and civic leaders who are protecting and reimagining democracies across the globe. Each event features TED Talks from esteemed thought-leaders, held at historic locations in Philadelphia. For more information, visit VisitPhilly.com.

In order to accommodate the Fireside Chat, Eastern State Penitentiary is closed to the public on Thursday, September 19.

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Friday, September 20, 2:00 pm:

ESPHS presents a screening of Sing Sing at 2:00 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with people who teach and study theatre in prison. In the film, Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. When a wary outsider joins the group, the men decide to stage their first original comedy, in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors. Included with admission to the historic site.

ESPHS also offers hands-on activities, pop-up talks, and behind-the-scenes tours related to the theme of democracy for all. Included with admission to the historic site.