Justice 101: The History of Solitary Confinement
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
2:00 - 3:00pm EST
Join us for a virtual guided journey through our historic site as we trace the origins of "the separate system." Originally designed to foster quiet reflection and repentance, solitary confinement quickly evolved into a practice with devastating consequences. We’ll stop at key locations to discuss how solitary confinement was put into practice, and why its legacy continues to spark debate today. Led by Thomas "Bug" Finegar (Education Manager) and Dr. Kerry Sautner (President and CEO).
About the Panelists:
Dr. Kerry Sautner
President and CEO, Eastern State
Thomas "Bug" Finegar
Education Manager, Eastern State
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 Justice 101, a discussion series that dives into some of the most pressing issues in criminal justice today, through a historical lens and with a focus on civic education. Each program includes interactive elements, expert voices, and opportunities for community dialogue.
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 Philadelphia City Fund’s 2026 Milestone Grant Fund, supported by PECO, 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.
