Finding Freedom Civic Season

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 activities, all included with admission!

• Guide-Led Tour & Discussion: This 45-minute guided tour and discussion is led by an Eastern State educator and explores the penitentiary’s complex history, its ongoing relevance to contemporary social issues, and sets the stage for conversation about the role of prisons in society today.

  • 10:30 am — Civil Rights and Stories of Resilience Tour:
    Explore how the racial dynamics of the outside world were mirrored within Eastern State Penitentiary, highlighting powerful stories of defiance and resilience in the face of systemic discrimination. This tour examines the intersection of civil rights and the prison system, showing how the struggle for justice and equality shaped the lives of those serving time.

  • 11:30 am — Solitary Confinement Tour:
    Discover the origins of modern solitary confinement as you walk through the historic cellblocks of America's first true penitentiary and the birthplace of the practice. This tour traces that complex history to the present day, highlighting the lasting impacts of the "Separate System" on the modern justice system.

  • 12:30 pm — General History Tour:
    This general tour explores the revolutionary architecture and shifting philosophies of America’s first penitentiary as it evolved from an experiment in reform into a complex, 20th-century congregate system. This tour traces both the story of the building as well as the people who lived, worked, and visited the space.

• Museum Activities:
  Drop-in hands-on activities. Available between 11-4:30 PM Daily. All materials provided—just bring your creativity!
  • Voices of Change Zine Activity:
    Every day from 2:00 - 4:00 pm
    Inspired by the counterculture power of the DIY zine, visitors can tell their own stories of liberty and cut-and-paste their own vision of justice.

  • 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 [Press Pass]:
    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.

  • Baseball Pop-Up Talks & Home Run Hits:
    Every day at 12:00 pm
    Step onto the penitentiary's historic baseball field where you'll learn more about the impact of baseball and the freedom of expression in prisons, past and present, from one of our Educators. Then, step up to the "plate" and see how far you can hit a wiffle ball toward Eastern State's tall perimeter wall.

  • Sports & Recreation Scavenger Hunt:
    Pick up a packet at the entrance, and complete this sports-themed scavenger hunt to receive an exclusive sticker prize! Designed with kids and their caregivers in mind.