A Time for Liberty Civic Season
Monday, May 25 - Monday, September 07, 2026
All Day
As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, Eastern State invites visitors to explore the history and legacy of one of America’s most influential prisons to reflect on the how the past informs our shared future.
Through storytelling, historical interpretation, and creative engagement, these programs highlight the story an institution built off the founding fathers' vision of liberty and justice and how that vision quickly collided with the reality of total isolation.
Enjoy these special activites, all included with admission!
- Guide-Led Tour & Discussion:
The Guide-Led Tour and Discussion (12 PM on Weekdays and 11 AM on Weekends) will feature additional content exploring Eastern State Penitentiary’s roots in enlightenment era philosophy. Discover how the nation’s first penitentiary was designed to reflect the Founder’s vision of justice and explore how this concept has shifted over time.
- Museum Activities:
Drop-in hands-on activities. Available between 11-4:30 PM Daily. All materials provided—just bring your creativity!- Freedom Poetry:
Inspired by Langston Hughes and other Civil Rights poets, and poetry written by people incarcerated at Eastern State. Visitors can create poems envisioning justice in their own lives. All materials are provided, and no artistic experience is necessary.
- “Promises of Freedom” Wish Wall:
Share your vision for the country! Visitors are invited to contribute their answer to the prompt, “What’s your wish for the United States?” on our Wish Wall, presented in partnership with Made By Us.
- Self-Guided Activity:
Using a self-guided tour handout, visitors will explore the historic site to learn about the justice system from stories of people who served time at Eastern State. Through their investigation, visitors will learn about their first amendment rights and the importance of free press.
- Postcard Making:
Join us for a hands-on activity that brings care and connection to people currently incarcerated. Create postcards that will be sent to individuals in prison. Reflect on the power of small acts of kindness and the importance of community beyond prison walls. All materials are provided, and no artistic experience is necessary.
- Freedom Poetry:
As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, Eastern State invites visitors to explore the history and legacy of one of America’s most influential prisons to reflect on the how the past informs our shared future.
About the Panelists:
We strive to make the penitentiary and our site, programs, and exhibits accessible to all visitors. Click here to learn more about accessibility and accommodations at ESPHS.
This program is part of A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future, a yearlong slate of free, inclusive programs exploring the evolving meanings of liberty and justice in America. 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.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program series, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
