Civic Learning Week National Forum Kickoff Reception
Sunday, March 08, 2026
All Day
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, PA Civics, Committee of Seventy present A Time for Liberty—a citywide initiative exploring how liberty, freedom, and justice have evolved over time. Through inclusive exhibits, public programs, and civic dialogues, the project connects Philadelphia’s revolutionary legacy and Eastern State’s history as the nation’s first penitentiary to today’s urgent conversations about democracy. Visitors will engage with diverse stories and be inspired to shape a more just future:
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Engage with Eastern State staff on Mini Tours that dive deeper into topics of interest and activate behind-the-scenes spaces.
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Test their civics knowledge by competing in a round of civics trivia to win fun prizes
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Fireside chat with Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of Committee of Seventy; and Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State.
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Meet representatives from local civic engagement organizations and learn more about their resources. Featuring Committee of Seventy, the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, and PA Civics.
For more information, visit https://civiclearningweek.org/national-forum/.
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 Civi Learning Week, an annual event hosted and created by iCivics that emphasizes the importance of civic education in strengthening and sustaining constitutional democracy in the United States.
